Live Scores

football Live Scores & Fixtures

Exclusive | Bhaichung Bhutia: "India more likely to play a women's world cup earlier than the men's one"

Bhaichung Bhutia shared his thoughts about the current situation of Women's football and the SAFF Championship final.

Jul 3, 2023, 3:16 PM5 min read

Exclusive | Bhaichung Bhutia: "India more likely to play a women's world cup earlier than the men's one"

There was an Executive Committee Meeting at Bengaluru today and after the meeting, India's former football player and a legend of the game, Bhaichung Bhutia gave an interview about what happened in the meeting, women's football, SAFF Championship Final, and many interesting topics. Bhaichung was also present in the meeting and he shared some important pieces of news with us.

Read Also: M. Satyanarayan is the new Deputy Secretary General of AIFF

"It was a good meeting. A lot of things were discussed but a few things I also put forward was the increase in money for State Associations because States are the ones that produce football. I think they are giving 10 lakhs for administrative that those are 12 Lakhs for all companies, which is very, very less, though it's good that at least this body started giving at least something but 12 lakhs should do under 13, 15, and 17 juniors, junior women's Santosh trophy, travel, everything, kits are not enough. There are a few states which get support for state government like Odisha and maybe Bengal as well," he said on asking how was the meeting and what topics were covered.

"There are a lot of states, which don't get it. So I think 12 lakhs for the entire competition and travel and doing a tour is very less. They should have given much, much more because that's where the players are produced," he added.

"India more likely to play a women's world cup earlier than the men's one:" Bhaichung Bhutia

"The second thing was the women league, I think you know, the president said, We are going to pay equal salary to women, but just saying and not implementing is not right. The Women's League second season was really, really bad because the facilities were very poor," Bhaichung Bhutia expressed about the Women's League structure and facilities.

"We asked the Women Footballers Women League to have at least one league standard of traveling in hotel and flight fares and also increase the prize money for the women's league. Because you know, Women's football are ranked much more than higher than men's. And I feel India more likely to play a Women's World Cup before the men's one. And that is why when you're trying to promote women in prison, we pay equal salaries. But that's just on the media. It's not happening in reality and that's where I think also in terms of women. And I feel the committee can't take the final decision," he made himself pretty clear about what he thinks about the current situation of Women's football.

Bhaichung Bhutia slams the AIFF president with his statement:

"When they can't take a final decision, then you already have a lot of subcommittees from competitions, and technical things, then why do you said it? So I said If you want to make it and want to have it, then I think when the constitution has been formed in the new constitution. It has to be added there Otherwise, I don't see it. I don't see what is happening is a lot of people one or two guys are in 2-5-6 subcommittees and they are everywhere and some of them are not at all in, which is, I think, very, very unfortunate. You know, you can't have somebody whose friends and families are into all the subcommittees 4-4-5-5 and somebody is not even in," he concluded.

He also confirms that the technical committee was meeting about who will be the next Women's football team coach. So, it can be announced tomorrow by AIFF.

SAFF Championship 2023: thoughts on India's Road to the Final

We were given a list of the best players of the year. So unfortunately on that list, I was quite surprised that they have not included Sunil Chhetri. He had a very, very good season, but on the shortlist that we were given, his name was not there. So there were a few players we're going to declare it, but on the shortlist, he was not there," Bhaichung said on asking who is going to be the Footballer of the Year.

"I think they are having a great tournament. I think for me, I think Stimac is, you know, worked quite a lot over the years. He was a bit unlucky in the past, but over the years I think he's got the team right. You look at now, the undefeated run for a lot of matches. So I think, finally I think Stimac is getting the right combination, right, his way of playing it. Any coach takes time and I think it was a good decision for us as a federation to keep him because you need to give time," He shared his thoughts on India's recent performances and the final against Kuwait.

That's what I've been seeing all across and right now I think you're seeing results and I think it's hard work of all the players and the coaches and the coaching management, what they've been doing now and hopefully tomorrow final. I hope we get good results on the great team. We had a couple of good chances in the group-stage match against Kuwait. So if we can repeat that same performance, I think we should be the winner," he concluded.

Next Article

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

There have been several players who led the Indian football team to reach the stage where it is right now. Let’s have a look at top 10 Indian football captains of all time.

Jun 30, 2025, 12:45 PM4 min read

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

Indian football is currently in its growing stage and has gained immense popularity in the last few years. The Indian football team is yet to achieve many big milestones on international level, which are anticipated to get achieved in the upcoming years. With the rise of Indian football over the years, there have been several players who led the Indian football team to reach the stage where it is right now. 

Let’s have a look at top 10 Indian football captains of all time.

Top 10 Indian Football Captains

10. Talimeren Ao

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1948

The very first captain of independent India, Talimeren Ao led the national side in it's first ever game at the Olympics in 1948.

He played only six times for India, but his name will be long remembered for being the very first captain of the new nation.

Hailing from Nagaland, Ao was a centre-back as well as a qualified physician. There are two stadiums in Assam named after him.

9. Prasun Banerjee

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1980

The younger brother of PK Banerjee, Prasun played for India between 1974-1985 and captained the team five times in international tournaments.

He was a defensive midfielder in his playing days, but is currently an MP from Howrah in the Lok Sabha.

8. Mohammed Habib

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1965-1975

Represented and captained the side between 1965-1975. Habib was a household name amongst football fans in the country back then with PK Banerjee once calling him 'the Indian Pele'.

7. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: Occasional captain

The giant goalie is another who has in recent years been handed the armband by coach Constantine. He led the side out against Puerto Rico in 2016.

6. Jarnail Singh

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1965–67

Captained the Indian Football team between 1965-1967. Jarnail Singh was another in the long list of centre-backs to have captained the side.

He was notably named in the Asian All Star team of 1966.

5. Sailen Manna

  • Tenure: 1949–54

Considered one of the best defenders to pull on the India blue, Manna played 14 times for India between 1948-1956. He captained the side to gold at the Asian Games in 1951.

The English FA back in 1953 rated him amongst the 10 best captains in the world in it's annual yearbook.

4. Chuni Goswami

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1960–64

He was one of those multi-sport figures having played international football for India as a striker as well as first-class cricket for the Bengal Ranji Trophy team. He earned 50 caps for India between 1956-1964.

He was captain when India won gold at the Asian Games in 1962 and silver at the Asia Cup two years later.

3. PK Banerjee

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 1960–61

Made 84 appearances for India and is one of the most distinguished Indian footballers of all time. He scored 65 times for the side after making his debut in 1955. He captained the side at the 1960 Olympics.

2. Bhaichung Bhutia

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 2000-11

The man who really popularized the game of football in the nineties and noughties, the Sikkimese Sniper Bhaichung Bhutia first became captain in 2000-2011. 

The legendary striker who played for over 16 years for the team was captain on numerous occasions including the successful SAFF Championship run in 2005.

1. Sunil Chhetri

All-Time Top 10 Indian Football Captains

  • Tenure: 2012–24

The current record goalscorer for the national side, Sunil Chhetri has made the armband his since 2012. It started with the AFC Challenge Cup back then and it has been his to lose ever since. 

With over 150 caps and 95 goals to his name and many other honours, Chhetri will go down as one of the most successful captains of all time when he hangs up his boots.

Chhetri captained India to a record-extending ninth SAFF Championship title. Not only did he finish as that edition’s top scorer with five goals, he became the joint-highest goalscorer in SAFF championship history with 23 goals, along with Maldives’ Ali Ashfaq.

Next Article

Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity

From Kolkata to Kochi, find out the best Indian football stadiums ranked by their seating capacity. Get the accurate list here.

Jun 30, 2025, 10:26 AM5 min read

Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com

Indian football continues to grow, and the stadiums where the game is played are a key part of its story. The nation has a collection of incredible stadiums that have a history of holding the most high-stakes and celebrated matches.

The capacity of a football stadium directly impacts the overall experience. The larger a stadium, the more fans it can hold, and the bigger the atmosphere for a match. Therefore, this article notes down the best Indian football stadiums ranked by capacity.

1. Salt Lake Stadium (VYBK), West Bengal

Salt Lake stadium is among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal. Image | News9live
  • Capacity: 85,000
  • Built in: 1984

The Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is the largest Indian football stadium with a seating capacity of 85,000. Located at the heart of Kolkata, a city that breathes football, in West Bengal, it is simply an electrifying hub for the game.

Originally built in 1984, this stadium has undergone multiple renovations, including a major one for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, 2017. The stadium saw legendary moments, like when Lionel Messi played here in 2011, or when Diego Maradona visited in 2008, drawing massive crowds.

This stadium is the most reliable venue for hosting major football matches that are played in India, which shows that it is fit for big international events.

Additionally, the famous Kolkata Derby (East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan) regularly fills the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans.

Read Also: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Biggest wins in Kolkata derby history

2. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is one among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi. Image | Wikipedia
  • Capacity: 60,254
  • Built in: 1982

Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the second-largest Indian football stadium with a capacity of 60,254. It was originally built to host the events of 1982 Asian Games, and also hosted the 1989 Asian Championships in Athletics.

The stadium went through a modernised renovation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and hosted all the track and field events. Because it's in the nation's capital, it often hosts international friendly matches and national football tournaments.

It is a well-equipped grand venue that offers a big stage for players and a comfortable experience for the spectators.

3. Greenfield International Stadium, Kerala

Greenfield International Stadium is among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
Greenfield International Stadium, Kerala. Image | TOI
  • Capacity: 50,000
  • Built in: 2015

The Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala, also known as "The Sports Hub, Trivandrum," can hold 50,000 spectators, which is the 3rd highest in India. It is relatively new and built as a multi-purpose stadium, having top-notch facilities.

The stadium hosted its first international football tournament in 2015 (SAFF Championship). It is mostly known for hosting cricket matches, making it the home ground for the Kerala Cricket Association.

Read Also: Top scorers in ISL history

4. EMS Stadium, Kerala

EMS Stadium is among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
EMS Stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala. Image | The Bridge
  • Capacity: 50,000
  • Built in: 1977

The EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, is another multi-purpose stadium that has a capacity of 50,000. It is a very old and precious football venue of the state, famous for its deep connection with local football and drawing of enthusiastic fans.

It is home to the I-League club Gokulam Kerala FC, and has hosted big tournaments like the Super Cup, Santosh Trophy, and the Sait Nagjee Football tournament.

5. DY Patil Stadium, Maharashtra

DY Patil Stadium is among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Image | Mint
  • Capacity: 45,300
  • Built in: 2008

DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai is a spacious and modern multi-purpose sports arena, with a seating capacity of 45,300. While it is also used for cricket and big concerts, it's a very capable football stadium.

It has high-quality seating areas, awesome screens and sound system. The stadium has hosted matches during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2023–24 AFC Champions League.

6. Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kerala

Jawarhalal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor is among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
Jawarhalal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor. Image | Facebook
  • Capacity: 41,000
  • Built in: 1996

This stadium in Kerala holds 41,000 spectators and is famous for its incredibly passionate football fans. It is the home ground for the Kerala Blasters, a popular team in the ISL. 

The energy here during the ISL matches is phenomenal. It is often known to have one of the best football atmospheres in India. This stadium is often picked because of its decent quality and overall experience.

7. Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Jharkhand

Birsa Munda Football Stadium is among the Best Indian Football Stadiums – Ranked by Capacity | sportzpoint.com
Birsa Munda Football Stadium. Image | X
  • Capacity: 40,000
  • Built in: 2009

With a capacity of 40,000, Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi is a major football hub in Jharkhand. It was opened in 2009, and has hosted many national tournaments with good remarks.

Its unique design makes it look eye-catching. It provides a significant platform for local teams and works to help the sport get bigger!

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

Other stadiums with a 40,000 capacity:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Kollam, Kerala
  • Mangala Stadium, Mangalore, Karnataka
  • Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri, West Bengal
Next Article

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

Since 1967, India have played 8 test matches at Edgbaston against England. Unfortunately, they have not been able to win a single test match at this venue.

Jun 30, 2025, 9:32 AM8 min read

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England | sportzpoint.com

Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham has been a lucky hunting ground for the England cricket team against the Men in Blue since 1967. With the second test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy around the corner at this great venue, we present you all the results of the England vs India test matches at Edgbaston Stadium. 

Ground Details 

Stadium Name: Edgbaston Stadium

Location: Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham B5 7QU, Birmingham, United Kingdom

County team: Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Established: 1882

Capacity: 24,803

Since 1902, Edgbaston has been hosting test matches. Till now, they have hosted 56 test matches, among which 8 were played between England and India.

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Overall results

Total tests: 8

England won: 7

India won: 0

Drawn: 1

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Every result

13-17 July 1967: England won by 132 runs

India first played a test match at Edgbaston in 1967 when Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's team were hosted by Brian Close's English side. 

England won the toss and decided to bat first. Although India bowled well and the spin attack of Bishan Bedi, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, and Erapalli Prasanna helped England get bowled out for 298 in the first innings, Indian batters failed them.

India were bundled out for only 92 in the first inning and could not manage to come back from then on.

England scored 203 in the second inning as Prasanna took another 4 wickets in the inning, going with his 3 in the first inning.  

Despite a fighting 70 off 214 balls from Ajit Wadekar and 47 off 145 from captain Pataudi, India fell short by 132 runs. India lost the series 0-3.

4-8 July 1974 | England won by an inning and 78 runs

Farokh Engineer watches David Lloyd play the cut, England v India, Edgbaston, 3rd Test, July 6, 1974

In their second test match at the Edgbaston Stadium, Ajit Wadekar's India faced a huge defeat. 

They were again playing the third and final test of the series, after losing the first two.

India batted first but could only manage 165 in the first inning. Star opener Sunil Gavaskar was out for a golden duck in the first inning. Farokh Engineer was the star for India with an unbeaten 64.  

David Lloyd scored a mammoth unbeaten 214 while captain Mike Denness scored 100 from 189 balls to take England to 459/2, after which they declared. 

In the second inning, India were bowled out for 216 and lost the match by an inning and 78 runs. Sudhir Naik scored a valiant 77 for India. 

12-16 July 1979 | England won by an inning and 83 runs

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

India would have managed a historic unbeaten series if they had started the 1979 tour well at Edgbaston. 

During that tour, India only lost one match, and that was in Birmingham. 

England won the toss and batted first. Geoff Boycott (155) and David Gower (200*) helped England score 633/5 before declaring. Kapil Dev bowled his heart out before finishing with 146/5.

India started their fight with Sunil Gavaskar (61) and Gundappa Viswanath (78) scoring some runs in the first inning. But India could only manage 297 and were asked to follow on. 

In the second inning, Gavaskar scored 68 while Chetan Chauhan and Gundappa Viswanath scored fifties. But, India were bundled out for 253 only. 

Ian Botham took a five-wicket haul for England in the second innings. Sunil Gavaskar finished the series with 542 runs. 

Read Also | Most wickets vs England in England for India in tests

3-7 July 1986 | Draw

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

The first and only time till now when India did not lose a test match at Edgbaston was in the 1986 tour. 

Kapil Dev was the captain of the Indian team, and the fighting performance from everyone made sure India created history on that tour. 

England captain Mike Gatting scored an unbeaten 183 in the first inning, and England scored 390. Chetan Sharma picked up four wickets for India. 

Fifties from Mohinder Amarnath and young Mohammad Azharuddin helped India match England's first innings total. 

In the second inning, England only managed 235 as Chetan Sharma picked up a six-wicket haul to finish with a 10-wicket haul in the match. 

Gavaskar scored 54 while Mohammad Azharuddin remained unbeaten on 29 from 106 balls to help India draw the match.

India won the series 2-0, for the first time on English soil. 

6-10 June 1996 | England won by 8 wickets

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

10 years later, India could not keep the momentum as they faced England again in Birmingham. 

Last time's hero, Azharuddin, was the captain of the Indian team while Mike Atherton was leading the home side. 

India won the toss and batted first. Javagal Srinath's 52 from 65 balls at number 9 helped India reach 214 in the first inning. But England replied with a solid ton from Nasser Hussain (128). 

Despite the ton, England could reach only 313 as Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad picked up four wickets each for India. 

Sachin Tendulkar (122) scored a brilliant ton in the second inning, but other batters failed as India managed only 219 runs.

Mike Atherton remained unbeaten on 53 to see his team home with an easy win. That was England's only win of the series as the other two matches were drawn.

Read Also | Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

10-14 August 2011 | England won by an innings and 242 runs 

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

India faced their biggest defeat at the Edgbaston Stadium when they returned to the ground after 16 years. 

MS Dhoni's men, who were then the World's No.1 test team, just could not handle England's batting powerhouse and surrendered against the home side. 

Indian batters, except for MS Dhoni (77), failed in the first inning as India only managed 224 in the first inning. In reply, Alastair Cook scored his career best 294 from 545 balls to help England score 710/7 before they declared. 

Eoin Morgan also scored a ton for England in that inning. 

In the second inning, MS Dhoni again shone with the bat with an unbeaten 74 from 79 balls, but it was not enough for India to avoid a humiliating defeat. 

India were whitewashed by 0-4 in the series. 

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

1-5 August 2018 | England won by 31 runs

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

This was the closest India came to winning a test match at Edgbaston Stadium. 

After that humiliating defeat 7 years ago, Virat Kohli's men were desperate to turn things around for India. With two young captains (Joe Root and Virat Kohli) at their helm, world cricket saw one of the most contested test matches in Birmingham. 

Root scored 80 while Jonny Bairstow scored 70 for England as they scored 287 in the first inning. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up 4 while Mohammed Shami picked up 3 wickets for India. 

In reply, Kohli scored a staggering 149, but other batters failed to contribute much as the men in blue were bundled out for 274. Sam Curran picked up 4 wickets for the home side.

Indian bowlers replied with aggression as they were able to bowl England out for 180 in the second inning. But if it was not for Sam Curran's 63 from 65 balls, they could have been all out below 100. 

Ishant Sharma picked up 51/5. 

But, after Kohli's dismissal on 51 from 93 balls, the Indian batting order could not handle the pressure and eventually lost the match by 31 runs. 

England won the series 4-1. 

Read Also | Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

1-5 July 2022 | England won by 7 wickets

ENG vs IND Test at Edgbaston: Results of every test match India played at Edgbaston vs England

England's domination in Birmingham continued as they remained unbeaten in all 8 test matches against India there. 

India were missing Rohit Sharma, who had tested positive for Covid-19, as Jasprit Bumrah created history as the first pacer to captain India in Tests since the legendary Kapil Dev in 1987.

India scored 416 in the first inning after Rishabh Pant (146) and Ravindra Jadeja (104) scored tons for them. 

But Jonny Bairstow's 106 kept England in the game, despite getting them bowled out for 284. Mohammed Siraj took 66/4 for India. 

Cheteshwar Pujara, who opened in the match, scored 66 while Pant scored 57 to take India to 245 in the second inning. 

But, England managed to chase 378, their highest successful chase in Test cricket, as Joe Root (142*) and Bairstow (114*) played an incredible innings for the hosts. 

However, despite the defeat, India managed to draw the series 2-2. 

Next Article

Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list

With her maiden T20I ton against England in Nottingham, Smriti Mandhana has now become the first Indian woman and sixth overall Indian batter to score an international ton in all formats.

Jun 28, 2025, 3:58 PM2 min read

Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI on X.

Indian Women's batter Smriti Mandhana became the latest batter to score international centuries in all formats of the game. With her maiden T20I ton against England in Nottingham, Smriti has now become the sixth Indian and the first Indian woman batter to have the achievement. 

Read Also | Top Female Cricketers Who Are Making History

Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list | sportzpoint.com
Image | Getty Images

Smriti Mandhana played a sensational 112-run inning from just 62 balls, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes. This is also the highest score by any Indian Women player in T20Is. The previous best was Harmanpreet Kaur's 103 against New Zealand in 2018. 

Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out of the first T20I of the series as a precaution taken by the team after she suffered a head injury during the practice game against the ECB Select XI. Sneh Rana handed the debut cap to left-arm spinner N Shree Charani. 

Harleen Kaur also scored a quick-fire 43 from 23 balls, to help India score 210/5 in the first inning. 

Read Also | Most Partnership runs for India in all formats

Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats

Here are the Indian batters who have scored an international ton in all formats

  1. Suresh Raina
  2. Virat Kohli
  3. Rohit Sharma
  4. KL Rahul
  5. Shubman Gill
  6. Smriti Mandhana

Next Article

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.

Jun 28, 2025, 1:11 PM3 min read

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. The ISL 2024-25 season was no different, with young stars lighting up the league and charting the future course of Indian football.

Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.

Also Read: Highest scoring footballers of the 21st century

Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

1. Dippendu Biswas | Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

Dippendu Biswas, 21, made 14 appearances in a star-studded MBSG line-up and carved an impact with his defensive contributions, comprising 14 interceptions and victorious tackles each, 42 duels won and 39 recoveries.

He also occasionally delivered upfront; producing a goal and two assists and was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for February 2025.

2. Vinith Venkatesh | Bengaluru FC

Vinith Venkatesh

Bengaluru FC has a track record of producing young talent for the nation. With Gerard Zaragoza in the managerial position, one of the players who made his mark this season is Vinith Venkatesh.

The 19-year-old impressed many with his dribbling and passing ability. A passing accuracy of 80per cent alongside 191 successful passes and 9 successful dribbles in only 602 minutes makes him a great prospect for the Blues’ future. Vinith has not only got a solitary goal and two assists to his name this ISL season but has also scored twice against Mohammedan SC and once against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup.

3. Brison Fernandes | FC Goa

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goa’s under 18 team to being an out right starter, it has been quite a rise for Brison.

Brison has managed to impress with his dribbling and shooting capability scoring seven goals and assisting twice. The 23-year-old created 27 chances for the Gaurs and provided 25 key passes into the final third. With his direct play, the left-winger emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian players to watch this season.

4. Tekcham Abhishek Singh | Punjab FC

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

In only his second ISL campaign, defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with returns that saw him become the player with the third-most interceptions (47).

The 20-year-old won seven aerial duels, 17 tackles, 23 clearances, in addition to making 70 recoveries, while forming an impeccable partnership with Nikhil Prabhu, who made the most interceptions in the league in the season gone by (56).

Also Read: Top scorers in ISL history

5. Macarton Louis Nickson | NorthEast United FC

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

NorthEast United made it to the play-offs after three years, while most of the credits go to its foreign players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, a player that went under the radar is young midfielder Macarton Nickson.

With 21 appearances and a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, he has really shone under Juan Pedro Benali this season. The 21-year-old has established himself as a box to box midfielder providing both in defence and attack. 

Defensively, Macarton has 97 recoveries and 13 interceptions. In attack as well, he has been able to support by providing 2two goals, one assists and 22 successful dribbles making him a beautiful player to watch.

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.