I-League: Top five Indian signings so far

Sportskeeda continues the Airtel I-League’s mid-season review by listing the top five Indian signings so far. The list is not in any particular order.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC is the India captain’s seventh different I-League club and the Arjuna Awardee has led by example so far. Sunil has been playing on the left wing for Ashley Westwood’s side and thus initially struggled to get on the scoresheet. But the 29-year-old was still contributing to his team’s cause and then after the last international break netted braces in three straight games to move close to the top of the individual scoring chart. With eight goals, he is currently the highest among Indians.

Siam Hanghal (Bengaluru FC)

Hanghal pointing to the crowd after his goal against Dempo

A product of the renowned Tata Football Academy, the midfielder was recommended to Bengaluru FC by their assistant coach Pradhyum Reddy under whom Hanghal had a stint last season at DSK Shivajians. Hanghal has turned out to be one of the best young players of this season’s I-League as his energy and passing in midfield has been instrumental in Bengaluru leading the table. The 20-year-old has also become a fan favourite with his scorching long-rangers being a key attribute and he is not far away from getting a national team call-up.

Collin Abranches (Mohammedan Sporting)

The 22-year-old had previously played in the I-League for Air India and Salgaocar but the move to Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting was a massive step up and that has seen him take his game to the next level. Despite Mohammedan’s difficult campaign so far, Collin has been one of the most consistent fullbacks in the I-League. The former Mahindra United youth player has been the only ever-present player for the Kolkata club this term, featuring in every minute in each of their 13 games.

Beikhokhei Beingaichho (Bengaluru FC)

The former East Bengal and United Sikkim midfielder has revived his career at Bengaluru this season by being one of their main creative forces week-in-week-out. Beingaichho has set up plenty of goals with his crossing from both flanks and set-piece deliveries with most opposing sides struggling to contain his threat. The 21-year-old also has immense work rate and that has made him popular among the growing Bengaluru FC fanbase. The Mizoram lad has undoubtedly been one of the best wide midfielders of this campaign so far.

Balwant Singh (Churchill Brothers)

The former India Under-23 international is another player who has revitalised his career this season after a horror two-year spell at Salgaocar. Champions Churchill Brothers haven’t done much right in the transfer market this season but Balwant has been a success as the 26-year-old has the best minutes-per-goal ratio among Indians with six goals in nine starts. The former JCT striker must have an equally good second half of the season to both save his current club from relegation and earn an inclusion in the India team.