Indian participant Sunil Chhetri and Kuwait’s Sultan Al Enezi throughout SAFF Championship 2023 match between India and Kuwait at Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, June 27, 2023.| Photo Credit: PTI

A draw really feel likes a defeat, however inspirational Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri is decided to keep up their unbeaten run intact, a splendid house run that stretches to virtually 4 years.

In a high-octane and ill-tempered SAFF Championship contest against Kuwait, India took the lead within the first-half damage time following Chhetri's 92nd worldwide objective.

However, an unfortunate personal objective from Anwar Ali in second-half damage time put a heartbreaking finish to India's hopes of topping the group.

"To a large extent, we could do exactly what we had trained for. They are not an easy side. This team can play, and we could see that. But we matched their energy, and for most of the time, I think we did well, "mentioned Chhetri.

"But the feeling that comes to our mind is that of a loss because we conceded at the last moment," he added.

"Clean sheet was one of our targets, which went out of the window. All of us in the dressing room are a little bit disheartened about that. Now, it's the unbeaten run that we want to keep as long as possible." India are unbeaten in all 9 matches performed in 2023. At house, the run stretches to virtually 4 years, with the final defeat coming in Guwahati in opposition to Oman in September 2019 within the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Chhetri additional backed Anwar who conceded the personal objective within the dying minutes that cancelled India's 1-0 lead.

"It's not Anwar, it's the country that conceded," captain Sunil Chhetri was fast to make clear.

"It's an own goal. It can happen to anyone. We are professional enough not to talk about it. I hope the kid shrugs it off. We all have his back," he mentioned.

"Technical mistakes are something that we do not take too seriously. We just work on our effort. Sometimes I miss silly goals that I shouldn't have. If somebody makes a silly challenge, then we get a penalty against us. It all happens in football. It's now in the past," Chhetri acknowledged.

Amidst all of the craziness, there was a silver lining of types as Chhetri hit a brand new milestone together with his 92nd worldwide objective -- 23 of these have now come within the SAFF Championship, making him the joint top-scorer within the historical past of the competitors alongside Maldives' Ali Ashfaq.

For Chhetri, nevertheless, not objectives however trophies matter essentially the most.

"I don't think about these things. I'm not trying to be arrogant, but I don't take goals too seriously. Once when I'm done in a few years, we can talk about it with a nice burger and a beer," he laughed.

"For now, I really appreciate the love that I get across the whole country, especially here as it is my home ground. I try my best to give whatever I have on the pitch," the skipper signed off.