Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli believes Sunil Chhetri deserves to play in a FIFA World Cup and can very well inspire the Blue Tigers to secure a historic World Cup qualification in the future.

In a recent interview with the official FIFA website, Kohli opined that Indian football has taken rapid strides in the past three-four years and the realisation of the dream to play in a FIFA World Cup may not be too far off. "We have improved drastically in our football over the last three-four years. With new talent coming in to make the difference, and our skipper Sunil Chhetri leading the team with amazing composure and inspiration, I see us qualifying very soon for the World Cup," he stated.

Continuing to speak about Chhetri, Kohli said, "If anyone deserves it (to play in a FIFA World Cup), it's him. And the team should rally behind that motivation and qualify, and dedicate it to him. He's an absolute champion and an inspirational human being."

Besides being one of the best cricketers in the world currently and the captain of the Indian national cricket team, Kohli is known to harbour a special place in his heart for the sport of football and also co-owns two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) finalists FC Goa. Asked about the extent his association with football would continue after he retires from cricket, Kohli said, "I see myself being involved more, and at a larger scale. Football has huge potential in India and I want to see it grow to a great level. That would be amazing."

To recall, the Blue Tigers will be vying to secure qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the Qualifiers starting from September 5. India has been drawn in Group E, alongside Oman, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and reigning Asian champions Qatar.