India's 27-member squad for the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6 has been announced, marking the end of Sunil Chhetri's illustrious international career. The squad, selected by head coach Igor Stimac, includes notable absences due to injuries.
Forward Parthib Gogoi and defender Muhammad Hammad have been ruled out after sustaining minor injuries during training. Stimac expressed his appreciation for their professionalism and hard work, emphasizing the intense competition within the team.
The remaining players will continue their training in Bhubaneswar until May 29, when they will travel to Kolkata for the match against Kuwait at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. India currently sits second in Group A with four points from four matches.
The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a berth at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Chhetri, India's all-time leading scorer with 94 goals, will retire from international football after the Kuwait match.
He will leave the scene as India's most-capped player with 151 appearances, bowing out as the third-highest goal scorer among active players behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football, as he has been a symbol of the sport's growth and popularity in the country.
The squad includes experienced players such as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defender Sandesh Jhingan, and midfielder Anirudh Thapa. Young talents like forward Rahim Ali and midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam will also be looking to make their mark.
India will face a tough challenge against Kuwait, who are ranked 146th in the FIFA World Rankings, 20 places above India. However, the Blue Tigers will be determined to give Chhetri a fitting farewell and secure a positive result in their quest for World Cup qualification.
Tags: #IndianFootball, #WorldCupQualifiers, #SunilChhetri, #Kuwait, #IgorStimac
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