Why Sunil’s return to the I-League suits everybody barring Churchill’s opponents

After almost a year, India captain Sunil Chhetri will make his return to the I-League as he is set to join second-placed Churchill Brothers on loan from Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ for the rest of the season.

This is the second time Sunil is joining an I-League team in a short-term deal as he similarly joined United Sports Club (now Prayag United) in 2011 after being released by USA’s Kansas City Wizards. Naturally it will cost Churchill Brothers a lot of money but overall, the deal looks to be perfect for the player, club, national team, I-League and Indian football in general. Although Churchill’s opponents including the other title contenders won’t be too happy.

Following the departure of Bilal Najjarin, Churchill Brothers have lost some ground in the title race and have failed to find an equally good replacement as highly-rated Dutch defender Bas van den Brink couldn’t complete his move due to a knee injury.

Senegalese defender Lamine Tamba will eventually replace Bilal but although he has the experience of playing in Indian football previously, the former Pune FC, Mahindra United and Air India defender isn’t in the same class as Lebanon’s Bilal and hasn’t been playing for the last six months.

Lebanon striker Akram Moghrabi’s decision to leave looked to have added to Churchill’s woes but the Goan club have been quick to respond to that by closing in on deals with Afghanistan international Bilal Arezou and Chhetri. And it’s the acquisition of the latter that could eventually land Churchill their second I-League title.

Sunil has not been getting game time at Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ and thus does need time to become completely match fit. But by the time he returns to play for Churchill after national team commitments, he could be well and truly ready to inspire the Goan club in the title run-in.

The 28-year-old has been criticized in the past for not being consistent at club level yet the Delhi lad averages almost a goal every two games in the I-League. Churchill Brothers might struggle defensively in Bilal Najjarin’s absence but Sunil’s addition means they will once again boast the most dangerous attacking force in the league.

The move also suits Sunil perfectly because it not only gives him the opportunity to play regularly but also the chance to win the Indian domestic league title for the first time in his career. The prospect of playing in the AFC Cup also must have attracted Sunil but the possibility of adding the I-League to his already impressive CV was possibly more enticing.

Sunil obviously still remains hopeful of a successful career abroad and still has some time on his side to realize that dream but the India international would be equally happy to win the I-League in a four-month stint.

Indian national team coach Wim Koevermans will also be delighted as his star striker would now be playing week-in-week-out again, something which was starting to become a big concern at Sporting Lisbon ‘B’.  The Dutchman can now also monitor his captain’s progress at club level.

It will also be a massive lift for the I-League as the competition does lack superstars nowadays with the departure of Jose Barreto from Mohun Bagan while Bhaichung Bhutia rarely plays for United Sikkim. Sunil’s mini stint could attract youngsters to matches in Goa and in some other venues where Churchill still has to play this season.

However Churchill’s acquisition of Sunil will be a big blow to the title hopes of East Bengal, Dempo and Pune FC. The other title contenders received a big boost when Bilal Najjarin left but the signing of the India captain could now turn out to be the catalyst for Churchill’s final title push.

The teams that still have to face Churchill also won’t be happy especially relegation fighters Air India and Mohun Bagan as both of those clubs still have to play the Goan club twice.

And that is why Sunil’s move to Churchill Brothers suits almost everybody including the average Indian football follower. Now let’s hope the Arjuna Awardee remains injury free and is able to produce his best in the I-League again.