India’s star striker and captain Sunil Chhetri was back to where he belongs as he joined the national team’s preparatory camp for the Nehru Cup at the Bangalore Football stadium on Monday.
Chhetri was the cynosure of all eyes here as he limbered up during the practice match between the Indian team and a combined Karnataka XI comprising players from BDFA Super Division champions KGF Sports Academy, KSP and Postal.
The 28-year-old was unavailable to talk to the waiting newsmen after coach Wim Koevermans refused permission for the interaction.
However, the diminutive forward made his presence felt during the practice match after he struck a second half goal in the Blue Tigers’ 5-0 win over the Karnataka XI.
The game started with the national team imposing their superiority over the opposition. Robin Singh converted a penalty to score the first goal for the Indian team.
Sanju Pradhan slammed two goals as the national team took a 3-0 lead at half-time. When Chhetri came on in the second half, there was a loud cheer from the Delhi-born striker’s fans in the stands. The Sporting Clube de Portugal player did not disappoint his supporters as he struck a powerful right footer to make it 4-0.
Manandeep Singh netted the fifth goal as the team ended the proceedings for the day under the watchful eyes of Koevermans. The Dutchman also had a brief chat with the Karnataka XI players and patted them for putting up a good fight.