Chhetri. Chhetri. Chhetri.
It’s Wednesday afternoon. 35 degrees. Anyone wandering out for a shopping spree would surely be insane. But not in Maidan Market, Kolkata. The iconic sports goods market is jam-packed and claustrophobic, not a buzz but a bombination of activity, with only one name being uttered, over and over and over again.
Chhetri. Chhetri. Chhetri.
Everyone wants a number 11 India jersey with Chhetri printed on the back. So do I. A shopkeeper, one of the 500-odd in the tiny market, asks me if I’m going to watch the match. I say I am. He gives me a 50 rupee discount on the jersey.
“Sunil Chhetri, ki player!” (Sunil Chhetri, what a player!)
“My life revolves around shuttling between taking the field for India and Bengaluru FC. Couldn’t have had it better.”
Neither could we, Sunil. Neither could we.
Few other cities in India, feel as strong a claim as Kolkata does towards India’s prodigal son as their own. Home to not one, not two, but three giants of the Indian game – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting – the city rocks with fiery frenzy and uncontrolled passion on derby days. And Sunil Chhetri played for two of them.
He began his club career at Mohun Bagan and later represented East Bengal with equal distinction. He is loved by both sets of fans and loved by the city. Expect no less of an atmosphere at the Salt Lake Stadium tonight. The 85,000-capacity stadium is certain to be packed to the rafters, with Chhetri returning to his roots for his swansong.
When the referee blows his whistle tonight, he won’t just be bringing to an end India’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Kuwait; he’ll also call time on the playing career of the talisman of Indian football. After 19 years, 150 appearances, 94 goals, 11 major honours (not including 7 AIFF player-of-the-year awards), an Arjuna Award (in 2011), a Khel Ratna (in 2021), and countless individual accolades, it’s finally time to say goodbye to Sunil Chhetri.
Millions are expected to tune in to their television sets and mobile phone screens with bated breath, not just to witness the match’s outcome but to bid a fond farewell to a true legend whose impact transcends the boundaries of the pitch. Each touch of the football, each run behind the Kuwait defence, each pass, shot, scream and shout – Kolkata will cheer it all. The nation will hold its breath and cherish each moment of this last dance. Chhetri’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his enduring legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Chhetri’s journey from the streets of New Delhi to the international stage has been a catalyst for the professionalisation and growth of Indian football. As Indian football transitioned from the I-League to the Indian Super League, Chhetri guided the sport’s ascent with his unparalleled prowess. Football transcended into a household name, captivating the hearts and minds of the masses, thanks to Chhetri’s iconic status. His talent and dedication have attracted a new generation of fans, cutting across socioeconomic barriers and igniting a passion for the game in the youth.
Chhetri spearheaded India’s triumph in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and led his nation to six SAFF Championship finals, winning four titles and etching his name in the annals of Indian football history. His leadership propelled India to reclaim its place among the top 100 in the FIFA rankings in 2023, a feat not achieved in over half a decade.
An illustrious club career saw him don the colours of giants of Indian football like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, before adopting Bengaluru FC as his own and representing them 211 times across three spells. His challenging experiences abroad with American franchise Kansas City Wizards and Portugal’s Sporting CP helped mould him into a resilient and relentless personality besides a formidable striker, bringing him fandom amongst the masses.
For nearly two decades, he remained the indomitable talisman of the national team, inspiring generations of players to dream bigger and strive harder. Off the field, his articulate candour and willingness to address social issues in his interactions with the media solidified his status as a voice of reason, commanding respect and admiration. Amidst all the accolades and adulation, he has remained a grounded presence, his humble gestures of folded hands after every single match a testament to his profound respect for the fans who fueled his passion.
Chhetri’s remarkable journey has been intertwined with the growth of Indian football. His legacy will last far beyond the field, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of Indian football. From being labelled a ‘flop’ abroad, to being named in the same sentence as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the third-highest active goalscorer in international football; from being doubted as Baichung Bhutia’s successor, to making the former captain proud and raising Indian football to even greater heights; from the streets of Delhi to worldwide glory – there’s only one ‘Captain Fantastic’.
At least, for one more evening.
Salt Lake Stadium, 7 pm.
It’s time for the curtain call.
