Asian Cup 2019: Thailand vs India – 5 talking points

#1 Captain, Leader, Legend

Chhetri scored two goals

It might sound like a cliche, but those three words can sum up the phenomenon that Sunil Chhetri is. It's actually difficult to find words to describe him. His performance speaks for itself.

Though he was officially not wearing the captain’s armband against Thailand, every Indian player on the field knew who their captain was. A true leader doesn’t need a piece of cloth to let the world know who he is.

Chhetri once again came up with a superlative performance, as was expected from him. He is not someone who keeps the records in his mind. So when you tell him he just became the highest Indian scorer in this tournament, he will reply in the same calm manner.

Both of his goals on the evening were top notch. The first was crucial, given that India would take the lead. Chhetri took the penalty which reminded us of Neymar. Few short jogging steps and then a powerful placement, sending the goalkeeper the other way.

We may not forget his second goal anytime soon. It started with him, an overhead pass to Udanta, who ran down the line before crossing it to Kuruniyan. The Keralite was too ahead to receive the ball.

And then came Chhetri. He was following the movement right from the moment and scored with his first touch to give India the lead for the second time. Even the best players would fail to score that one, but Chhetri is an exception.

He even contributed to the third goal. A pin-point pass to Udanta ended up by the goal from Anirudh. He is carrying the nation’s hope on his shoulder and on the very first match, he showed what is capable of.

He has overtaken Lionel Messi to be second active international goal-scorer in the world.

Captain, Leader, Legend.