As dusk descends over the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Indian football fans are gearing up for an emotional evening. This isn’t just any match; it marks the swansong of Sunil Chhetri, one of India’s greatest footballers. With 150 caps and 94 goals for the national team, Chhetri ranks alongside football legends, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among active international goalscorers.

Chhetri's Poignant Pre-Match Reflections

At the pre-match press conference, a composed yet emotional Chhetri remarked, “I’m trying hard not to think about the game emotionally.” This crucial encounter against Kuwait is more than a farewell; it’s a decisive match that could shape the future of Indian football. Under Igor Stimac’s leadership, India stands on the brink of history. Despite a setback with a 1-2 loss to Afghanistan in Guwahati in March, the Blue Tigers are still in contention. A victory in Kolkata would propel India to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers and secure a direct spot at the AFC Asian Cup 2027. This would be an unprecedented achievement for Indian football.

Maintaining Focus Amidst Emotional Farewell

Chhetri and coach Igor Stimac must balance the emotional weight of the farewell with the critical nature of the match. Stimac’s tactical acumen will be crucial in revitalizing the team after their disappointing performance against Afghanistan.

Significant Changes Expected in Playing XI

Following a rigorous 27-day training camp, Stimac is expected to make five key changes to the starting lineup.

Defensive Adjustments: Jay Gupta of FC Goa, who impressed in the ISL 2023-24 season, is set to replace the injured Akash Mishra at left-back. This debut in Kolkata will be a significant moment for the young defender. Despite recent inconsistencies, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu retains his place in goal.

Midfield Reshuffle: With Mumbai City’s Apuia unavailable due to university exams, Suresh Singh will return to partner Anirudh Thapa in midfield. Jeakson Singh is likely to start on the bench.

Attack Reinforcement: Sahal Abdul Samad will resume his role as the No. 10, providing a crucial creative spark. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Liston Colaco are expected to join captain Chhetri in the attacking lineup, with Manvir Singh dropping to the bench.

A Must-Win Strategy

Stimac has no room for conservatism. An aggressive, attacking setup is essential to take the game to Kuwait. With Chhetri leading the charge, India aims to create history.

Predicted India XI

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Anwar Ali, Rahul Bheke, Jay Gupta
Midfielders: Suresh Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad
Forwards: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri, Liston Colaco

As India prepares for this pivotal clash, fans and players alike are hopeful for a performance that honors Chhetri’s legacy and paves the way for a brighter future in Indian football.