Sunil Chhetri’s illustrious international football career came to a close on a somber note as India played to a 0-0 draw against Kuwait in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Kolkata. Despite India’s efforts to recover from a poor start, they failed to secure a win, highlighting issues in their midfield’s lack of composure and clinicality.

The match began with Kuwait exerting significant pressure on the Indian defense. However, the visitors’ momentum waned, and India started to dominate later in the first half. Despite their improved performance, India could not capitalize on their chances, with notable opportunities from players like Liston and Anwar Ali going unconverted.

In the second half, both teams struggled to maintain intensity, appearing more depleted. The introduction of Rahim Ali provided a brief spark for India, but his efforts failed to break the deadlock. Kuwait responded with attacks led by Daham and Al Rashidi, but Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made crucial saves to keep the scoreline unchanged.

The game turned into a midfield slog, with both sides unable to create meaningful opportunities. The lack of quality and patience was evident as the match progressed, resulting in frequent tussles and disruptions. Ultimately, neither team could find the decisive goal, leading to a goalless draw.

This draw marks a disappointing end to Sunil Chhetri’s international career, which spans 19 years. Chhetri made his debut against Pakistan in 2005 and scored his first international goal in the same match. Over his career, he became the third-highest scorer of international goals (94) among active footballers, trailing only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chhetri’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess have been pivotal for Indian football, earning him a revered status among fans and peers. His retirement leaves a significant void in the team, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.

India’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup qualification have taken a hit with this result. The team’s inability to find the net against Kuwait reflects broader issues that need addressing if they are to compete on the world stage. The focus will now shift to developing a more cohesive and effective strategy moving forward.

The Indian football community will undoubtedly feel the absence of Chhetri, whose dedication and performance have inspired many. As the team rebuilds, his legacy will serve as a benchmark for future generations of Indian footballers.

In conclusion, the match against Kuwait was a bittersweet farewell for Sunil Chhetri. While the result was not what fans and the team hoped for, his career remains a testament to his remarkable talent and impact on Indian football. The draw, though disappointing, underscores the need for improvement and growth within the team.

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