Sunil Chhetri, 36, the architect of two critical goals in India’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh in the ongoing Doha double qualifier (World Cup 2022 Asia Qualifier and Asian Cup 2023), can afford to build on his reputation at any Indian Super League club of choice. Bengaluru FC’s contract with the goal-machine ended on May 31, 2021. As a free agent, he can choose continuity or change.

BFC have not made a formal announcement of a fresh contract with their team captain. The India striker, in demand as a match-winner and leader, was the highest earner among Indian pros in the Rs 2 crore per season category till central defender Sandesh Jhingan signed a five-year deal with ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020 and joined the India captain in earnings per season.