Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has expressed optimism about 2025 being a promising year for Indian football. Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Bhutia shared his thoughts on the need for a consistent striker to replace the legendary Sunil Chhetri, who has been an icon for Indian football. Speaking to ANI in Siliguri, Bhutia said, “After a disastrous 2024, I hope 2025 will be a good year for the team. We have the Asia Cup qualifiers, which I believe we have a strong chance of qualifying for. Additionally, we have some promising friendlies lined up, and the team looks solid overall.”
Highlighting the void left by Chhetri, Bhutia emphasized the critical need for a dependable goal-scorer. “The team requires someone who can replicate Chhetri’s consistency in scoring goals. There are some talented players emerging, and I hope this year we can find the next Sunil Chhetri,” he said. Bhutia specifically named Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh, players from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, as potential candidates to fill the gap. “These players have shown promise and are performing well, but the search for a consistent striker is still ongoing,” he added.
Reflecting on the team’s performance in 2024, Bhutia acknowledged the challenges they faced. The team failed to register a single victory, a situation that has impacted their confidence and rankings. “Winning matches is crucial. It’s not just about boosting our rankings but also about building the team’s morale and paving the way for future qualifications,” Bhutia stated.
He also stressed the importance of adequate training and preparation as India gears up for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round. “The team needs more time for training and preparation, especially with a new coach, Manolo Marquez, at the helm. While Marquez is familiar with many players from the Indian Super League (ISL), developing a deeper understanding of the team will help in better coordination,” Bhutia said.
India’s journey in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round is set to be a challenging one. The team has been drawn into Group C, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The draw, which took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 9, 2024, saw 24 teams divided into six groups of four. Only the winners of each group will advance to join the 18 teams that have already secured their spots in the AFC Asian Cup after the second round of qualifying.
The Qualifiers Final Round will be contested over six match days in a home-and-away format, spanning from March 25, 2025, to March 31, 2026. For India, this represents an opportunity to qualify for three consecutive Asian Cups for the first time in their history. Their campaign will kick off at home against Bangladesh.
India has a history of encounters with all three group opponents. The Blue Tigers last played Bangladesh in the 2021 SAFF Championship, faced Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kolkata in June 2022, and squared off against Singapore in the Hung Thinh Friendly Tournament held in Vietnam in September 2022. Bhutia believes that these prior experiences will be valuable in preparing for the upcoming matches.
Despite the challenges, Bhutia remains hopeful about the future of Indian football. He reiterated the importance of identifying and nurturing new talent, particularly in the striker’s position, to ensure the team’s sustained success. “There is no shortage of potential in Indian football. With the right support and development, we can achieve great things,” he concluded.
As the team embarks on this crucial journey, the focus will be on strategic planning, rigorous training, and fostering unity under Coach Marquez’s guidance. The coming months will be pivotal for Indian football, and the nation’s hopes rest on the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver impactful performances. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, 2025 could indeed mark a turning point for Indian football.