Indian football has been graced by numerous talents over the decades, but few have left as indelible a mark as Sunil Chhetri. With a career spanning nearly two decades, his influence on Indian football is unparalleled. His farewell match against Kuwait signaled the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Having become the third-highest active international goalscorer, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Chhetri has been a mainstay of Indian football. In a recent episode of the Sporting Spree podcast, BBFS senior coaches Vivek and Anup reflected on Chhetri’s journey, the lessons learned, and the future of Indian football without his presence.

A Farewell to Remember

Reflecting on the match against Kuwait, it was clear that India could have emerged victorious. The first half showcased India’s dominance, with the team creating multiple chances and putting Kuwait under pressure. However, football is unpredictable, and despite the opportunities, the goals didn’t come through. As Sunil Chhetri himself once put, “You can sometimes play some really good football and not score.”

Indeed, a win would have boosted India’s chances in the World Cup qualifiers, making Chhetri’s final match a triumphant curtain call. “The farewell could have been better if we had scored 3 points. It would have been fun. It would have been memorable for Chhetri,” Vivek noted, echoing the sentiment of many others who watched the game. Despite the match ending in a draw, the significance of the occasion was not lost on fans and players alike. The sentiment was clear: Chhetri’s contribution to Indian football transcended the outcome of a single game.

The Hallmarks of a Legend

Sunil Chhetri’s career is distinguished by his remarkable consistency and resilience. Debuting in 2005 against Pakistan, he has been a cornerstone in the national team for nearly 20 years. Vivek noted, “From 2005, our debut match against Pakistan, to 2024 against Kuwait, “He had the longest career in Indian football history.” This longevity is a testament to his dedication, fitness, and unyielding spirit.

One of the key factors behind Chhetri’s enduring success has been his unwavering belief in his abilities and his rigorous discipline. Anup emphasized, “Whenever you’re getting into the match, you have to get into the mentality that you have to demand the possession and score the goal. I believe that’s one thing Chhetri always focused on. he had that. This mindset has been crucial in his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.”

His consistency and ability to perform at the highest level were not just about talent but about discipline and hard work. Chhetri once said, “If anyone remembers me, it’s for my hard work.”

India’s Search for the Next Chhetri

With Chhetri’s retirement, the question on everyone’s mind is, “Who will be the next Chhetri?” While it’s easy to say that someone will step up, the process of becoming a player of Chhetri’s caliber involves more than just skill. It requires a strong mentality, discipline, and consistency.

Potential successors like Raheem Ali, Liston Colaco, and Vikram Pratap Singh have shown glimpses of their abilities. Raheem, with his physical presence and intelligent runs, poses a challenge for defenders. Liston, known for his dribbling skills and pace, has the potential to be a game-changer. Vikram Pratap Singh, a young and talented forward, has already impressed at the club level.

The consensus was that while these young players have the potential, they need to demonstrate the same level of consistency and dedication that Chhetri exhibited throughout his career.

The Blueprint for Success

Chhetri’s career offers a blueprint for aspiring footballers. His disciplined approach to training, diet, and overall fitness has been pivotal. Vivek highlighted, “You have to take care of your body and train yourself. You need to have discipline.” In fact, its the discipline that allowed Chhetri to avoid major injuries and maintain peak performance levels over such a prolonged period.

In the discussion, the importance of mental toughness was also emphasized. Anup noted, “Chhetri’s ability to stay mentally strong, even during challenging times, has been a significant factor in his sustained success.” Perhaps Sunil himself put it best: “You have to be tough and have a lot of faith.”

Looking Forward

As Indian football bids farewell to one of its greatest players, the focus now shifts to building on Chhetri’s legacy. The young talents coming through the ranks have big shoes to fill, but the foundation laid by him provides a solid platform. His career serves as a reminder of what is possible with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

As Sunil Chhetri steps off the field, he leaves behind a challenge for the next generation: to pick up where he left off and continue the journey he began nearly two decades ago.

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