5 Possible Strikers To Replace Sunil Chhetri In Indian Football Team

New Delhi: The position of a striker in the Indian football team remained untouched ever since 2005 when Sunil Chhetri, a then 20-year-old boy from Delhi, made his way into the national team. 19 years later on May 16, 2024, Chhetri, who will turn 39 in August, announced his retirement from international football, thus breaking a billion hearts. The India vs Kuwait encounter in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on June 6 in Kolkata will be Chhetri’s final game in national colours. The Indian football has grown so accustomed to having the country’s leading top-scorer up front that there are no out-and-out strikers left. A majority of the teams in the Indian Super League have foreign center forwards to make up for the lack of goal-scorers in the country. Here are five possible contenders to fill in Sunil Chhetri’s shoes.

Vikram Pratap Singh (22 years old)

Under Mumbai City FC’s new coach Petr Kratky, Vikram found his rhythm and scored eight goals in 23 games as a left winger. In fact, he was one of the few Indian strikers to have scored more goals in the recently-concluded ISL. His continuous running could keep up with Chhetri’s intensity, as you can never underestimate the value of having an in-form striker.

Sivasakhti Narayanan (22 years old)

Probably one of the most natural goal scorers, Sivasakhti has always had his poaching form in front of the goal. The Bengaluru FC striker has a happy knack of being in the right place at the right time as he displayed in the 2022-23 season.

Rahim Ali (24 years old)

Rahim Ali’s biggest plus point is his physicality. He has played as the centre forward or as a replacement when Chhetri wasn’t available. Under the guidance of Owen Coyal at Chennaiyin FC , a certain deftness is coming into his finishing ability, and that can only make him a better option.

Manvir Singh (28 Years old)

Mohun Bagan’s Manvir Singh is the safest option in the list right now as he has the ability to score stunners in the space of a couple of good shots. Considering his age and experience he could be the possible contender.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (26 years old)

The best player in India right now, Chhangte has elevated his game to the next level to become one the ISL’s most clutch players. No one in the list can come closer to his 20 goals across the past two seasons. Chhangte has the skill and confidence to replace Sunil Chhetri.