Who Will Replace Sunil Chhetri as India's Number Nine?

The Indian football team has long relied on the prolific goalscoring prowess of Sunil Chhetri, who has been the undisputed number nine since 2005. However, with Chhetri's retirement looming, the question of who will inherit his mantle has become paramount.

The Indian football landscape has become accustomed to Chhetri's presence, leading to a dearth of out-and-out strikers. Most ISL teams rely on foreign center forwards to compensate for the lack of domestic goal scorers.

Chhetri himself has acknowledged the need for a successor, stating, "It's time for our country to see the next number 9. It is time we build on it."

Two players who immediately come to mind are Mumbai City FC's Lallianzuala Chhangte and Vikram Partap Singh. Chhangte, 26, has been a revelation this season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. His pace, skill, and technical ability make him a potential false nine.

Singh, 22, has also impressed with his work ethic and relentless pressing. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in Mumbai City's title-winning campaign. His potential as a center forward is undeniable.

Another contender is Chennaiyin FC's Rahim Ali, who has occasionally replaced Chhetri as a substitute. He is the only Indian player who has consistently played as a center forward for his club.

The search for India's next number nine will continue until a viable option emerges. Igor Stimac will have a difficult decision to make when India faces Qatar in their final qualifier on June 11 without their star striker. A change in formation, such as a false nine, could be a possibility.

Tags: #IndianFootball, #SunilChhetri, #NextNumberNine, #LallianzualaChhangte, #VikramPartapSingh