Football

Anirudh Thapa Ready to Shine as Sunil Chhetri Bids Farewell in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Kuwait

As the Indian national football team gears up for their fifth FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6, the spotlight shines brightly on central midfielder Anirudh Thapa. Remarkably, Thapa has accumulated 57 caps for India before turning 26, making him the third-highest capped player among the current squad, behind only the legendary Sunil Chhetri and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Thapa’s journey with the Blue Tigers began nearly seven years ago when, as a 19-year-old, he stepped onto the Mumbai Football Arena pitch to face Saint Kitts and Nevis. Since then, he has evolved from a promising youngster into a central figure in India’s midfield, known for his tenacity, vision, and playmaking abilities. 

Reflecting on his international career, Thapa’s evolution is evident. He now stands on the cusp of one of the most significant matches of his career, a must-win encounter against Kuwait at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Sunil Chhetri, whose illustrious career is set to end with this match, has been a mentor and an inspiration for Thapa and many other young talents in the squad. Chhetri’s influence on and off the pitch has been immense, guiding players through the intricacies of professional football. 

“Over the past seven years, whenever I’ve been in the national camp, he’s been the one everyone looks up to. He is an example-setter. He used to guide us through everything, tell us new things like how to stay fit, and what to do in your daily life. He has been a mentor for all,” Thapa shared during an interaction with the AIFF website.

On the field, Thapa and Chhetri’s synergy is well-documented. Thapa has assisted four of Chhetri’s 94 international goals, including notable strikes at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and the recent SAFF Championship group stage against Kuwait, where Thapa’s precise corner kick set up Chhetri for a stunning volley.

The upcoming match against Kuwait carries significant weight. It is not just a crucial World Cup qualifier but also Chhetri’s final appearance in the Indian jersey. The emotional magnitude of this event is not lost on Thapa or his teammates.

“It is an important match for all of us, and especially for Sunil bhai. We need to make sure that we qualify for the third round because that would be huge for Indian football and the fans. We’re playing at the Salt Lake and the stadium will be fully packed. We all know how crazy the fans are and how much they love football there. We will give our best for the nation. We need to be at our best to get those three points,” Thapa emphasized.

The Salt Lake Stadium, where Thapa recently lifted the ISL Shield with Mohun Bagan SG, holds special significance for him. The venue is expected to be filled with fervent supporters, creating an electrifying atmosphere that could spur the Indian team to victory.

A win against Kuwait is essential for India’s hopes of advancing to the third round of World Cup qualifiers, a milestone that would be monumental for the country’s footballing aspirations. The match is not just about securing points but also about honoring Chhetri’s legacy and inspiring a new generation of footballers.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India vs England 3rd ODI: Struggling England must find right balance against dominant Indians

India delivered a phenomenal performance in the second ODI, led brilliantly by the skipper. It's … Read More

February 11, 2025

Khalid Jamil says performance was not up to the mark after loss against Bengaluru FC

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil was not impressed with his team’s performance after suffering… Read More

February 11, 2025

Novak Djokovic makes honest admission about why he is still playing

Novak Djokovic has achieved almost everything in the record books. He has 24 Grand Slams… Read More

February 11, 2025

Liverpool’s Arne Slot calls shock FA Cup exit ‘unacceptable’

Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has called the shock FA Cup exit as unacceptable. The Reds… Read More

February 11, 2025

Gerard Zaragoza expresses delight after much-needed win against Jamshedpur FC

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza was delighted after a comprehensive 3-0 win against Jamshedpur… Read More

February 11, 2025

Luka Doncic scores 14 in 24 minutes in debut win with Lakers

After the shock trade, Luka Doncic finally made his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers.… Read More

February 11, 2025