Indian talisman Sunil Chhetri, who made his senior debut against Pakistan nearly two decades ago, is about to reach a new milestone: he will play in his 150th international match.
Indian talisman Sunil Chhetri is scheduled to make his 150th appearance in an international match on Tuesday in Guwahati against Afghanistan, a World Cup qualifier. This milestone will come nearly two decades after he made his senior debut against Pakistan. India played out a goalless draw against Afghanistan in their away leg contest as they climbed to second in Group A in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Chhetri will join an exclusive group of players lead by Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo (205), who has played 150 or more international matches, as the 40th player in history to accomplish this milestone.
On June 12, 2005, Chhetri made his debut in the senior national jersey during a friendly game in Quetta against Pakistan.
In the 1-1 tie, he scored for India. He has since made 149 appearances for the national team, scoring 93 goals, a record.
The 39-year-old, a prolific goal scorer, has the unusual distinction of having scored a goal in each of his first, 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, and 125th Blue Tigers games.
“Since 2005, it has been an incredible and breathtaking journey that we have all been lucky enough to experience,” stated All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey in a press statement.
“It is an amazing feat that will help to keep the Indian football flag flying high that Chhetri is playing in his 150th international match.
Millions of people have been inspired to play this lovely game by him, since he has been a wonderful influencer. I applaud Chhetri for excelling to this remarkable level in international football,” he continued.
The Indian star will be honored by the AIFF on the sidelines of their return leg match against Afghanistan in Guwahati, the organization also stated.
“Chhetri is practically synonymous with the Indian men’s national team in the minds of many football fans. He is a fantastic striker, a calm captain, and an amazing football player.
“We are pleased to congratulate him on his 150th international game on behalf of the All India Football Federation. In the future, we truly hope that Chhetri will still be serving Indian football in the same capacity,” M Satyanarayan, acting secretary general of the AIFF, stated.
