'A Marker For Us': Sunil Chhetri Reminisces Over Victories Against Thailand Ahead Of Friendly

Last Updated:June 01, 2025, 19:25 IST

Chhetri recollected India's most recent fixtures against Thailand, which the Blue Tigers ended up winning 4-1 at the AFC Asia Cup 2019, and 1-0 in the King's Cup.

Sunil Chhetri in training (AIFF Media)

The Indian national football team are slated to take on familiar foes Thailand in a friendly on the 4th of June at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani. The hosts boast a better head-to-head record against India with 12 wins for Thailand, 7 for India and 7 draws.

Team India skipper Sunil Chhetri, who returned to the Indian fold following a brief period of retirement on the request of head coach Manolo Marquez, reminisced over India’s most recent fixtures against Thailand, which the Blue Tigers ended up winning 4-1 at the AFC Asia Cup 2019, and 1-0 in the King’s Cup, ahead of the exhibition fixture in Rangsit.

Chhetri netted a brace in the 4-1 Asia Cup win in Abu Dhabi, reflected on the victory and lauded the entire team and their contributions towards the triumph.

“That was a long time back. What I remember of the game was that the team was outstanding," the captain recollected.

“Anirudh Thapa was amazing. So was Udanta Singh Kumam. The defence was amazing too. Ashique Kuruniyan started with me, and he was good. The whole team was really, really good in that game," Chhetri added.

“I think at that time, Thailand were probably better than us on paper by a mile. We were underdogs in that game, and to win the game the way we did — it wasn’t just four goals but the way we held ourselves and dominated the game — was really fantastic," the 40-year-old explained.

Chhetri, the first Indian to score at two Asian Cups, opined that the recent history of successes against Thailand act as an added impetus to one-up the Thai unit in the upcoming fixture.

“That’s also a marker for us to know that on a good day, if we work hard, that’s what we can achieve," India’s all-time top-scorer iterated.

“That game was special because a lot of young people did really well. So, we are taking a lot of positivity and inspiration from the game," he added.

The Changsuek, who have climbed 14 places since Japanese coach Masatada Ishii took charge in December 2023, stand 99th in the FIFA rankings as compared to the 127th-placed India.

Lallianzuala Chhangte added that the friendly against Thailand would be a substantial litmus-test ahead of the Blue Tiegrs’ Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong.

“We played against Thailand multiple times. They are a good team, a hungry one," Chhangte said.

“They like to make runs behind. They are also a team that want to play with the ball," the 27-year-old added.

“But again, we are totally focused on ourselves. It’s all about executing what we have been doing on the training pitch in the match. And if we can do it, I believe we can win these two matches against Thailand and Hong Kong," the winger stated.

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