Sunil Chhetri’s second retirement on hold as he’s named in India’s squad for June fixtures

Head Coach Manolo Marquez has retained Sunil Chhetri in his squad for India's June fixtures. The veteran striker reaffirmed his relevance with two stunning performances after coming out of retirement in March.

Chhetri is part of India's 28-member probables squad for next month's AFC Asia Cup final round qualifier against Hong Kong and a warm-up match against Thailand. By then, the Bengaluru FC striker will be just two months shy of his 41st birthday. Chhetri announced his international retirement last June.

Despite being 40 now, Chhetri's inclusion in the national squad was a no-brainer. He had helped Team India end a 16-month wait for a win by scoring in a thumping 3-0 win over Maldives in a FIFA international friendly in Shillong in mid-March.

Chhetri also gave a solid performance in India's goalless draw against neighbours Bangladesh, who were energised by the inclusion of former Premier League player Hamza Choudhury.

India are set to play Thailand in a June 4 friendly in Thailand before facing Hong Kong in an away match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon City.

The match against Hong Kong is crucial for India as it gives the Blue Tigers a chance to top Group C, which also comprises Singapore. Hong Kong and Singapore had also played out a goalless draw in their group opener in March.

"The probables will assemble in Kolkata on May 18 to train for the FIFA International window in June," said an All India Football Federation (AIFF) statement on Wednesday.

"As part of their preparations for the Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, the Blue Tigers will have a 10-day training camp in Kolkata before they fly off to Bangkok to play a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand on June 4. The team will subsequently travel to Hong Kong for their Asian Cup qualifier," the AIFF statement said. Ashique Kuruniyan of Mohun Bagan Super Giant is the only Malayali in the probables list.

Probables:
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, Amrinder Singh.
Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.