‘A Captain, Leader and Legend’ – Fans flood Twitter with wishes as Indian Football Captain Sunil Chhetri turns 38

The Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri is celebrating his birthday today. The star footballer turned 38 as wishes have been pouring in from the sporting fraternity of the country. Among the numerous wishes that Chhetri got, there was a special one from the former Indian captain Virat Kohli.

“An honestly hardworking man full of good values & compassion. A man I can call a true friend. Very grateful for the friendship we have skip. Always wish you the best. As you get a year younger I send you my best wishes & all the positivity your way. Happy birthday @chetrisunil11,” Kohli tweeted.

Kohli and Chhetri share a great friendship as the duo are often seen engaging in fun conversations with each other. Recently, one of their conversations went viral. Chhetri shared a video on Instagram with a caption that the youngsters couldn’t beat him in spite of him being old. Virat Kohli gave out his instant reaction to the post and called him a “legend”. The national football captain added: “Sab broccoli aur palak ka khel hai. Woh adrak ka swad ke baare mein kya kehte hai? Cheers, champ.”

Chhetri and Kohli have previously also engaged in banter on social media. In May 2021, Kohli shared his crossbar challenge video with his fans, Chhetri reacted to the video by offering him his coaching services. Kohli, who is known for his sportsmanship on the field, took the comment in his stride and added “Aap Mauj lelo poori (You pull my legs)”.

Chhetri is the leading goal-scorer for India and also the most-capped player in the country. He was also awarded India’s highest sporting honour, Khel Ratna Award in 2021, Padma Shri in 2019 and the Arjuna Award in 2011. Chhetri is also the first Indian player to play in three different continents. He also has scored the most hat-tricks for India.

Here’s how Twitter is wishing the Indian football legend on his birthday: