Sunil Chhetri thanks fans for big win over Kenya

Hours after India snatched a 3-0 win over Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup 2018, Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri thanked his fans while saying that the "Indian team would give their lives on the pitch in every match, if they get same support."

Taking to Twitter, the skipper said. "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!"

Chhetri, in his 100th international match, scored a brace to lead India to a 3-0 win over Kenya at Mumbai Football Arena on Monday.

Chhetri's penalty strike in the 68th minute added extra time, along with Jeje Lalpekhlua's 71st-minute strike enabled India to outmanoeuvre Kenya.

Earlier, Chhetri, ahead of the match, had made an emotional appeal to fans, requesting them to watch football and support the team in the ongoing Intercontinental Cup 2018.

In a video posted on Twitter, Chhetri appealed to those who are not die-hard football fans and said, "Today I am not making a video for you guys. I am gonna speak and appeal to all of you who did not come. To everyone who is not a football fan, please come and watch us for two reasons. No. 1, it's the best game in the world and No. 2, we play for our country. We will make sure that once you come to watch us, you will not return the same person back home. Please come and watch us."

The 33-year-old football star also urged all to criticise the Indian football team in order to help the players improve in every game.

Chhetri further requested the football fans to vociferously support the team saying, "Who knows, one day we might change you guys! You might start cheering for us."

On a related note, India will next take on New Zealand in their Intercontinental Cup match on June 7.