Sunil Chhetri has reclaimed the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) scoring charts, reaching a milestone of 64 goals with a coolly executed penalty during Bengaluru FC’s commanding 3-0 victory over defending league shield winners Mohun Bagan.
This performance not only solidified his position as the league’s leading scorer but also signaled a potential return to his prolific best.
The 40-year-old captain’s contribution was pivotal in Bengaluru FC’s resurgent display, marking a dramatic turnaround from their 0-4 defeat to Bagan at the same venue last season. Chhetri’s impact extends beyond this single match, with an impressive tally of three goals and one assist in just 170 minutes of play across the first three ISL games this season.
This early-season form suggests a revival of Chhetri’s goal-scoring prowess after a period of declining rates in recent years. Statistics show that his last season with at least 0.5 goals per game in the league was in 2019-20, but his current performance hints at a potential return to those high standards.
Bengaluru FC’s coach, Gerard Zaragoza, highlighted Chhetri’s renewed enthusiasm and freedom on the pitch. “I think he was under a lot of pressure with the national team, here also, but now… we talk a lot and I say, come and enjoy it,” Zaragoza remarked. The coach also emphasized Chhetri’s enduring influence on the squad, describing him as the team’s primary source of inspiration and motivation.
Chhetri’s resurgence coincides with Bengaluru FC’s overall improvement. The team now boasts a strengthened squad, featuring proven goalscorers like Edgar Mendez and Jorge Pereyra Diaz. This collective uplift has seemingly allowed Chhetri to play with more freedom and impact, relieving him of the sole responsibility of goal-scoring.
On the field, Chhetri’s performances have shown glimpses of his vintage best. His positioning, timing, and finishing touch appear sharper than in recent seasons. The assist he provided in the match against Mohun Bagan exemplified his footballing intelligence – racing into the six-yard box to meet a cross, realizing the tight angle, and instantly laying it off for Suresh Singh to score.
While it’s still early in the season, Chhetri’s form has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. His post-match comment, “Once the season ends, we’ll see how many goals I’ll get. But for now, three points,” reflects his prioritization of team success over individual accolades.
However, his individual performances suggest that Sunil Chhetri, India’s most celebrated footballer, may be entering another prolific phase in his illustrious career.
As the ISL season progresses, all eyes will be on Chhetri to see if he can maintain this impressive start and potentially set new scoring records in the league. His resurgence not only boosts Bengaluru FC’s title aspirations but also serves as an inspiration to younger players in Indian football.
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