Regret not speaking up to get India probables to train separately: Chhetri

Regret Over Not Advocating Separate Training for India Probables: Sunil Chhetri

Former India captain Sunil Chhetri expressed no regret about his comeback and brief retirement, despite scoring only once in six matches. Speaking to HT on Thursday, he said, “I have been in football long enough to know this could happen. I went back completely for myself. And I know I gave my best.”

Chhetri conveyed his disappointment over India's failure to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. He reflected, “What I am bitter about is that India could not qualify.” He noted that time would eventually overshadow who played in the qualifiers, referencing 2015 when India also failed to qualify and the starting 11 were forgotten.

This interview marked Chhetri's first detailed conversation with the media since informing India head coach Khalid Jamil that he no longer wished to be part of the national team, after returning last March.

Regret for Not Pushing Separate Training

Chhetri also regretted not insisting on separate training for the national team probables, similar to the preparations before the 2011 Asian Cup. He emphasized the importance of focused training despite internal challenges.

“Because whatever the turmoil, the national team will have to play, the qualifiers were the most important thing. So, pick 40 players, tell them to shut their phones, go and train. We are not a team that can just turn up and win.”

Summary

Sunil Chhetri values focused, disciplined preparation and expresses regret over India’s failure to qualify for the Asian Cup and not pushing for separated training sessions to improve team readiness.

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Hindustan Times Hindustan Times — 2025-11-06

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