India's campaign for the August 16 AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Saudi Arabia got a big boost on Sunday with star striker Baichung Bhutia deciding to join the ongoing camp in Kolkata, reversing his retirement plans from international soccer.
"I had a talk with chief soccer coach Bob Houghton this afternoon. Following the talks, I have decided to join the camp from tomorrow," Bhutia said.
The dialogue took place soon after Bhutia returned from his native village of Tinkitam in Sikkim.
Indian team manager Pradip Chowdhury welcomed the player's decision saying it will help in boosting the morale of the side.
Earlier in the day, Houghton had expressed his desire to have Bhutia in the camp.
"If you ask me whether we want him in the team, I'll say 'absolutely'," Houghton said.
The Briton said that he had earlier spoken to Bhutia before the Indian team left for Vancouver last month.
"He then told me that he needed rest. This I found quite natural, as he has been playing for a long time, and taking a lot of pressure as well."