It has been a turbulent period for Indian football with Sunil Chhetri hanging his boots from international football and the dismissal of national team coach Igor Stimac resulting in a massive controversy. Chhetri retired from international football following the match against Kuwait and in the very next game, India crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers following a controversial loss against Qatar. Since the news broke about Chhetri’s decision, both fans and experts have expressed concerns about the possible options who can replace the star striker. In the past year, multiple footballers like Manvir Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad have been used as the striker but no one has truly staked their claim for the position.

However, former Indian football team captain Subrata Paul believes that the management needs to give multiple chances to the young talents and that is the only way to find a proper replacement. Subrata, who recently conducted a goalkeeping workshop for ALPHA Sports Academy in Mumbai, said that Chhetri “was not made in a day” and similarly, it will take time and patience to find the next top striker for India.

“Chhetri was not made in a day. Before him, there was Bhaichung (Bhutia). When Bhaichung left, people were worried but Chhetri stepped up. He became a legend after playing for more than 15 years. He did not become Chhetri in just one year. We need to give other youngsters consistent chances to perform and put our trust in them. We will not be having this conversation five years later because someone will step up to take Chhetri’s position in the national side,” he added.

Meanwhile, Igor Stimac has criticised the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its president Kalyan Chaubey following his dismissal as the national team coach. Subrata did not comment on Stimac’s allegations and said that he wants to concentrate on what he can do for the sport in India.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinions. We cannot control someone else’s thought process. However, what we can control is what can we do for Indian football. He has said what he feels but I personally believe in work. You will reap what you sow,” he concluded.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to sack Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac after the national side failed to qualify for Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. India were defeated 2-1 in their last match against Qatar – a result that meant the national side finished third in their group which also had Kuwait and Afghanistan. The decision came just weeks after Sunil Chhetri retired from international football after playing his final game against Kuwait. According to AIFF press release, the decision was taken after senior officials held a virtual meeting on Sunday.

“The meeting was chaired by AIFF Vice President Mr. NA Haris and the others in attendance were Mr. Menla Ethenpa (Member, Executive Committee and Chairperson, Finance Committee), Mr. Anilkumar Prabhakaran (Member, Executive Committee and Chairperson, Competitions Committee), Mr. IM Vijayan, (Chairman of the AIFF Technical Committee), Mr. Climax Lawrence (Member of the AIFF Technical Committee) and Mr. M. Satyanarayan (Acting Secretary General),” it stated.

“Noting the disappointing outcome of the Senior Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign, the members unanimously agreed that a new Head Coach would be best placed to take the team forward.”

“The meeting instructed the Acting Secretary General Mr. Satyanarayan to notify the current Head Coach Mr. Igor Stimac of its decision to terminate his engagement.”

“Pursuant to the above, a notice of termination has been issued to Mr. Stimac by the AIFF Secretariat, and he stands relieved of his obligations with immediate effect. The AIFF thanks Mr. Stimac for his service to the National Team and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” the statement added.

India lost their game against Qatar 2-1 but the match was not without its fair share of controversies. Qatar’s equaliser came under the scanner when replays showed clearly that the ball crossed the line behind the goal before it was played back to the attacker who scored the goal.

In two week’s time India will play host to Kuwait at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on June 6. Ahead of the highly awaited FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification matchup, team India head coach Igor Stimac has given a positive update regarding the team. Stimac posted a video on X, which showed glimpses of the Blue Tigers’ training camp. “10 days in, players are responding well. Happy to see the senior players making first time campers feel comfortable and sharing their experience with the young boys on a daily basis,” read a post shared by the Croatian on X. India currently sit in second place behind Qatar in group A with 4 points to their name. The Blue Tigers’ only win of the campaign came against Kuwait (1-0) thanks to a late goal by Manvir Singh.

If India are to qualify for the next round of the qualifiers, a win against Kuwait is needed as their final game will be against Qatar, a side which has won all 4 qualifiers so far including a 3-0 victory against India in the first round of fixtures.

The game against Kuwait holds a lot of significance for Indian football as it will also be the last time the fans will get to see their highest ever goal scorer, Sunil Chhetri put on the number 11 shirt and represent the country as it will be his last international game which is sure to fuel some extra motivation through the squad.

The training camp comprises two squads of probables selected by Stimac which included 41 players. Once the camp comes to an end, Stimac will choose the final squad that will travel to play Kuwait and Qatar in the two important matches.