Hero Indian Super League has ended with the thrilling win of ATK Mohun Bagan. Every season, this league is evolving and bringing something new to cherish for Indian football fans. This year was an incredible journey for many teams.
Mumbai City FC dominated the whole league with their attacking game but start losing matches when required most to win.
Bengaluru Fc was struggling in the 1st of the season but came back strongly. They beat Mumbai City FC and secured their place in the finals. Kerala Blasters was the one team, that everyone wanted to see in the finals but lost the Bengaluru FC with the controversial but smart goal by Sunil Chhetri.
Hyderabad team showed the art of defending and they secured 2nd position in the league but lost to ATK Mohun Bagan.
ATK Mohun Bagan, as usual, performed consistently and silently reached the finals. They won the thrilling contest against Bengaluru FC by keeping their nerves intake for a longer period.
This year we got so many beautiful games to talk about and more than that some interesting young talents.
Overall it was a win for the Indian Super League and Indian football. Which provided new emerging Indian talents and performance that need to be acknowledged as the positives of ISL 2022/23.
The Positives From 2022/23 Indian Super League:
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Goal Keeper), 31 Years, Mohali
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is a professional footballer from India who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Bengaluru FC and the Indian national team. He is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the country and is an integral part of the Bengaluru FC team’s success.
Gurpreet led the team’s defense during their incredible comeback to reach the final of the Indian Super League, in which they won 10 consecutive games to qualify for the playoffs and eliminate Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City.
In the absence of Sunil Chhetri, he was appointed as captain and delivered outstanding performances, making a league-high 67 saves and crucial penalty shootout saves in the semifinal against Mumbai City.
Asish Rai (Attacking Wing Back Defender), 24 Years, Sikkim
Asish Rai had 30 tackles and an assist to his name. A talented attacking wing-back from India. This season, he joined ATK Mohun Bagan and played a crucial role in their successful campaign. While Hyderabad had a mixed season, the Mariners found their rhythm just in time to qualify for the playoffs by finishing third and then knocking out Odisha FC and Hyderabad to reach the final.
Rai’s ability to provide balance to the team was critical to their success, as he led the league in interceptions with 53. He was also a key component of ATKMB’s offensive prowess, using his attacking skills to create openings for his teammates.
Lallianzuala Chhangte (Right Winger), 25 Years, Mizoram
This season saw a significant turnaround for Chhangte, as he played a vital role in Mumbai City FC’s seemingly unbeatable side. Chhangte was unstoppable on the wings, displaying improved precision in front of goal, scoring a league-high of 10 goals by an Indian player.
He formed an impressive partnership with Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Bipin Singh, while also providing six assists for his teammates. His performances throughout the season marked a significant shift in his career and cemented his place as one of the most potent attacking players in Indian football.
Sivasakthi Narayan (Forward), 22 Years, Tamil Nadu
A young footballer made a name for himself after his impressive performance during Bengaluru FC’s Durand Cup victory. However, he struggled to find his footing in his debut season in the Indian Super League.
Bengaluru FC had a rough start to the season, lacking fluency in their attack, which made it difficult for the team. Even their star striker Sunil Chettri was not in top form, and new signing Roy Krishna took some time to adjust to the team.
Nonetheless, under the guidance of coach Simon Grayson, the team was able to identify the right combination of players and went on an astonishing winning streak. This run of form helped the team secure a place in the final of the tournament.
Sivasakthi Narayan played a crucial role in Bengaluru FC’s revival, as he successfully replaced Sunil Chettri as the team’s main striker. He formed a lethal partnership with Roy Krishna and scored six goals for the team. His impressive performances helped Bengaluru to turn their season around and reach the final of the Indian Super League.
Naorem Mahesh Singh (Centre Forward), 23 Years, Manipur
In a disappointing campaign for East Bengal, Naorem Mahesh Singh stood out as a shining star. Despite his team finishing second-to-last in the league with just 19 points, Mahesh made a significant impact by providing seven assists – the second-highest in the league. He formed a solid partnership with Cleiton Silva, with four of his seven assists leading to goals for the Brazilian.
Mahesh’s most outstanding performance came during East Bengal’s 3-1 away win over Jamshedpur FC, where he recorded three assists. His impressive display throughout the season showcased his potential and hinted towards a bright future for the young attacker.
Indian Super League: The New Beginning
This year’s Indian Super League provided the best young Indian talents in pressure situations. These players showed their skills and worth for the team and can be the rising stars for the Indian Football Team in the coming Future.