Chhetri: At Bengaluru FC, it’s my responsibility to lead by example

Sunil Chhetri's Bengaluru FC's will be aiming to become the first side in the history of the Indian Super League to retain the trophy.

Chhetri was Bengaluru FC's top-scorer in its title-winning season in 2018-19.

Since its launch in 2013, Bengaluru FC has won at least one trophy every season and has laid its hands on every domestic trophy it has fought for.

However, no team in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL) has successfully defended the title. ATK and Chennaiyin FC failed twice before, but nobody will bet against Carles Cuadrat and his champions doing what has seemed unachievable, so far.

"We want to win every competition we are a part of. There’s the ISL title to defend, and we know it’s only going to be tougher this season. Importantly, we are back in Asian competition and we’ve shown on more than one occasion that we can compete and do well. We would like to keep giving a good account of ourselves there and challenge for the title," said captain Sunil Chhetri.

Bengaluru has a formidable side this season with the addition of India international Ashique Kuruniyan, former Chennaiyin FC midfielder Raphael Augusto and Spanish striker Manuel Onwu. Chhetri, of course, is the Blues' biggest star, and given the form he enjoyed for club and country, it’s likely that the story will remain the same.

“When I signed with the club in 2013, I came with the responsibility of leading by example and bringing everything I have to the table in a bid to help the club win trophies. Six years on, nothing has changed. If anything, that role has only been underlined more emphatically,” said Chhetri.