Sunil Chhetri goes past idol Baichung Bhutia’s national mark
Bhutia met Chhetri after the match and told him to keep on scoring for the country.
In the picturesque backdrop of the Kanchenjunga,India captain Sunil Chhetri scaled new heights,pipping his idol Baichung Bhutia to become the national teams leading goalscorer.
Chhetri,who first scored for India against Pakistan in 2005,netted the landmark goal in the 21st minute of the friendly against Nepal in Siliguri on Tuesday. The diminutive striker latched on to a rebound after Robin Singhs shot off a Clifford Miranda cross was saved by goalkeeper Kiran Limbu. The goal took Chhetris tally to 43 goals in 80 matches.
Miranda,meanwhile,scored in the 49th minute to ensure a 2-0 win for India,who pocketed crucial FIFA ranking points. Without you all,this wouldnt have been possible. This is more yours than mine, Chhetri told his teammates in the dressing room after the match.
Bhutia scored 42 goals in 107 matches in a career spanning over 16 years. Chhetri took just 80 matches to score his 43rd goal. IM Vijayan 40 goals in 79 matches,Shabbir Ali 23 in 72 and PK Banerjee 19 in 36 complete Indias top five.
Bhutia was in the stands on Tuesday to see his record broken. Im very proud of him. Im proud of the fact that I have been there for a major part of his achievements. Most of his goals were scored when we played together, Bhutia said. Obviously he has scored quite a few after my retirement but we will always cherish the moments we spent together.
Bhutia met Chhetri after the match and told him to keep on scoring for the country.
Chhetris memorable moments include a hat-trick in the AFC Challenge Cup final in 2008 against Tajikistan,which ensured India an Asian Cup berth after more than 20 years. He became India captain in 2012.
Chhetri is the only Indian after Bhutia to play abroad. While both his overseas stints at Kansas City and Lisbon were disappointing,Chhetri has been influential in the I-League,winning titles with Dempo and Churchill Brothers.
Chhetri dedicated the record to Bhutia,saying it wouldnt have been possible without his guidance. Baichung bhai congratulated me after the match. I stay thankful to him as he has guided me to become what I am today, Chhetri said.
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