ESPN STAR Sports’ Supriyo Goswami feels Sunil Chhetri is worthy enough to take over the mantle from the great Bhaichung Bhutia.

For quite some time Indian football fans have been wondering who would take over the mantle from Bhaichung Bhutia.

More than the captaincy, fans would have wondered whether it would ever be possible to replace Bhutia, the player.

Last night as the national team registered one of its most famous wins in recent times, one man broke free, expressed himself as if his life depended on that game and most importantly made a very important announcement.

Sunil Chhetri's moment had arrived, the way this striker from Delhi performed on his home turf in the AFC Challenge final, showed India had now found someone worthy enough to take over the reins from Bhutia.

Before the finals, Chettri had said that the clash for the title would be the most important 90 minutes of his life and he lived up to it.

Playing with passion and courage, he was brilliant in all departments of the game, be it one touch play, running with the ball, anticipating those crosses which were being provide from the right by India's dead ball expert Steven Dias, he had everything going for him but what stood out was his hunger to score, his explosive pace inside the d-box and the number of solo runs he made.

Chhetri might be small in stature but his pace and attitude set him apart

Chhetri has always looked up to his captain, who acknowledges this talent: "Chhetri has the potential and so far he has been extremely sincere in the way he has approached the game. I believe he has it in him to go way beyond my achievements."

Throughout the AFC challenge, the two Indian forwards gelled beautifully. They were able to understand each other's play and body language and that made a world of difference to the team's performance.

In the semi final Chhetri was ready to meet Bhutia's cross and in the finals it was Chettri who set up Bhutia for the second goal.

Being opportunistic is an important qualification for a striker and Chettri, time and again has shown that uncanny ability to be there at the right place and at the right time.

He might have missed out on opportunities but over a passage of time, with more experience one can expect him to iron out that flaw. He also comes across as a superb provider and that too is a must in international football. If you cannot score then set it up for your partner.

In sports it is a must to nurture talent and so far Bob Houghton has done a wonderful job in guiding the young striker.

In the semi final against Myanmar, Chhetri had a forgettable first half but came back to score the winner and later remarked that his coach was there to support him during the break.

Infact both Bhutia and Houghton were of the opinion that missing chances is a part of the game. As India triumphed against Tajikistan in the finals, amidst all glory and euphoria, Chetri did not forget to mention the work Houghton has put in for Indian football in the last twelve months. He also acknowledged how big a role his skipper has played. These are the signs of a matured and down to earth individual.

Bhutia will gut it out as long as his body permits him and when the time comes he will call it a day. The Indian fan need not have sleepless nights; Sunil Chhetri is ready to take it over fom the Sikkimese legend.