From an aspiring cricketer to India captain: The inspiring story of Sunil Chhetri

At 33, Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri is probably one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. Recently, Chhetri has been in the news following a video he had released on social media requesting fans to turn out in their numbers to come and support the team. The video went viral with the likes of Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and even a sinister Sania Mirza joining in on the force to make something of the Indian football team.

While Chhetri’s video received many positive as well as a handful of negative accolades, it was quite clear that he has begun a sensation. However, when one looks into the history of it all, he or she will find Chhetri’s sinister love for cricket. Having grown up in Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh, Chhetri’s life more or less revolved around sports.

A penchant for Sachin Tendulkar

Having been born in an era when cricket was beginning to ignite the spark that we are witnessing today, Chhetri was inspired by the growing presence of Sachin Tendulkar on the world stage. Reports even suggest that he had decided to become the next and upcoming Master Blaster, so to speak.

However, things took a turn when his middle-class wage proved to be a bit too expensive to secure him a bat and a pair of pads. While he would have had to shell out a few thousand rupees, Chhetri decided that it would be better for him to have his feet do the talking instead. Boasting of a father who was an army officer, as a youngster, he would sew his own boots as opposed to purchasing a new pair of boots.

At the moment, he is set to play his 100th international for India, something that has been accomplished by the irresistible Baichung Bhutia. His international will be against Kenya, a strong side with sound international footing, in the grand scheme of things, at least.

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