The return of Sunil Chhetri has ignited a broader debate about the state of Indian football. Coming out of retirement in less than a year after his initial announcement, his comeback raises pressing concerns.

Despite the glamour of the ISL, even I-League, coach Monolo Marquez finds himself compelled to rely on Chhetri as a forward—opting for the 40-year-old veteran instead of giving emerging talents a chance. He will make appearances in the upcoming international friendly against Maldives on 19th March and in the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers for the Asian Cup 2027 against Bangladesh on 25th March. This decision has sparked widespread criticism among fans. When asked about the issue, Nabab Bhattacharya, the Uniter Sports Director, stated;

“Sunil Chhetri’s return, in my view, is a stark reminder of the Indian football fraternity’s systemic failure. The Indian Super League, despite its glamour and investment, has done little to elevate the quality of Indian football. Instead, it has become an overpaid spectacle that prioritises commercial appeal over genuine player development.

“In the I-League era, talents like Bhaichung Bhutia rose to prominence, inspiring a generation. Today, however, the spotlight seems more focused on grand narratives than on nurturing homegrown excellence. Regrettably, Sunil may not receive the same unwavering adulation he once did.”

“The continuous resurgence of the foreign players and coaches has taken the spotlight for the Indian Players. ISL is doing no good to the team or Indian Football is just grandeurs and commericaling the sports.”

Shanmugam Venkatesh, the former national player,  has cast serious doubts on coach Monolo Marquez’s decision to reinstate the veteran player. He argues that this move not only undermines the coach's credibility but also sends a conflicting message to aspiring young footballers. In questioning why emerging talent is consistently overlooked in favor of established figures, Venkatesh highlights a broader debate: Are we prioritising legacy over nurturing the next generation of players?

“Sunil’s contributions to Indian football are undeniably significant, yet his post-retirement return sends a series of mixed signals. Fielding a 40-year-old veteran for a match against Bangladesh is a decision that arguably should remain solely within the coach’s purview, prompting us to question the implicit message it sends to our burgeoning young talent.” 

“While the ISL once served as a fitting stage for Sunil’s brilliance, it now raises doubts about whether it is truly fostering an environment where emerging players can thrive and develop their potential.”

India has long envisioned hosting a World Cup by 2047—a dream reinforced by visits from football luminaries like Arsène Wenger. While these high-profile endorsements were meant to inspire and drive progress, the current state of the game leaves us questioning whether Indian football is truly advancing or merely regressing.

Sanjay Sen, the Santosh Trophy-winning football coach, on this matter stated: “While Sunil Chhetri’s return is celebrated, it also brings into sharp focus the deeper challenges facing Indian football. Over the past decade, we have struggled to discover a promising new striker or build a cohesive, competitive team.”

“Emerging talent rarely gets the opportunity to shine, and this systemic oversight raises pressing questions about our development pipeline—too many gifted players are overlooked when it comes to earning meaningful roles.”

“While we should learn from Sunil’s unwavering patriotism and persistence, we must also confront the darker realities of our football system.”

“Critics argue that the Indian Super League’s heavy reliance on foreign players and coaches has inadvertently stifled the growth of homegrown talent, leading to a gradual deterioration in the overall standard of Indian football.”