Four Indians stand out for their utility and enterprise and can be banked upon to make a difference in Saturday’s final.
Arnab Mondal has become a vital link in the Atletico de Kolkata defence, known for positioning and tackling. The 25-year-old’s tackle on Andre Santos in the semifinal led to howls of protest from the FC Goa dugout for a penalty denied even as the India international got to his feet and was ready again.
East Bengal’s star defender, Mondal moved up through the ranks in Kolkata, starting with the Mohd. Sporting youth squad and represented the country at the 2012 pre-Olympic qualifiers.
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Baljit Sahni is always chasing the ball around in the rival half, looking to sneak into space when defenders are distracted marking ATK’s strikers.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has scored twice in the ISL and looks hungry for more. He started with the JCT Mills squad and progressed from the junior team to the senior squad, when a burst of goals in the I-League brought him to the attention of East Bengal.
Sandesh Jhingan from Chandigarh has become a fan favourite at Kerala Blasters due to his commitment on the turf. The bearded wing-back seems to be everywhere, doing his specialist job of keeping an eye on the forwards, moving into space to receive the ball in a counter-attack and keeps the attack humming.
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Tall and sturdy, he got noticed at Sikkim United in the I-League II Division and moved to Mumbai FC on loan.
He donned the India under-23 colours at the Asian Games 2014 and the ISL performances for a high-profile team can earn the 21-year-old a senior team call-up soon.
Ishfaq Ahmed is one of Blasters assistant coach Trevor Morgan’s early selections in the domestic player draft and the wiry, tireless midfielder has proved his value to the squad.
He is like a bee, buzzing around the turf and stinging when given space. Gifted with ball sense and dribbling skills, he cannot be marked due to his mobility, and can shake up defences with his sizzling runs.