Baichung Bhutia, one of India’s footballing legends, has expressed his disappointment with the Indian men’s national football team’s tactics, highlighting the absence of a clear game plan and reliance on Sunil Chhetri to continue being the match-winner.
Lack of Tactical Flexibility
In an interview with Indian Express after India’s 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in Shillong, a match where India were heavy favorites, Bhutia pointed out that the team’s attacking strategy was too predictable. “We were relying on a very predictable attack—going down the wing, crossing the ball, and expecting Sunil to head it in,” Bhutia explained. He emphasized that this one-dimensional approach was limiting the team’s attacking options.
Concern Over Chhetri’s Longevity
While Sunil Chhetri, who has scored 95 international goals for India, has long been the team’s star player, Bhutia raised concerns over the 40-year-old’s ability to continue carrying the team. Bhutia noted that Chhetri’s age and the changing nature of football meant India would not be able to rely on him for too much longer. “Relying solely on Chhetri to score will harm the team’s long-term progress,” he warned.
A Shift in Modern Football
Bhutia further discussed how modern football is more complex than in Chhetri’s prime. He explained that football today requires a complete system—smart passes, intelligent runs, and strong positioning—things that are missing in India’s current setup. Bhutia pointed out that the defenders of today are well-trained in marking and positioning, which makes the old methods of play ineffective.
Worry Over India’s Poor Crosses
The former Indian striker also criticized India’s poor delivery from the wings. “Not a single cross from the wings landed between the goalkeeper and defenders, and we’re just relying on Sunil’s headers,” he said. He humorously added, “By the time he gets to his second retirement, he might have a head hemorrhage!”
Chhetri’s Return to the National Team
Sunil Chhetri, who had announced his retirement in May 2024, made a return to the national team to assist India during the ongoing AFC Asian Cup qualification. His comeback was marked by a goal against the Maldives in India’s 3-0 victory, where he netted the third goal from a Liston Colaco cross.
Bhutia’s comments serve as a wake-up call for the national team, urging a shift toward more varied tactics and an improved focus on long-term planning as India prepares for future challenges.
