ISL 2017: Top 5 candidates for the captain's armband at Kerala Blasters

The new season of the Indian Super League is just a few days away and fans across the nation are getting excited, as always, to watch their favourite stars play. The opening game of ISL 2017 is the replay of last year's final as the Kerala Blasters take on ATK in Kochi.

The Kerala Blasters have had some fantastic leaders over the last three seasons, with David James, Peter Ramage and Aaron Hughes leading the Yellow Army. The Blasters have reached two finals in the last three editions and will be hoping to get the elusive title win in Season 4.

The Blasters are yet to confirm their captain for this season and with a number of experienced names in their squad, we take a look at who are top candidates for the captain's armband!

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#5 CK Vineeth

CK Vineeth

One of Kerala's local boys, Vineeth is a real fan favourite at the Blasters and has been sensational on the field. His performances have inspired a lot of young players from the state into playing the sport.

He may not have much experience of leading an ISL side but with the support from the fans, who have been called the 12th man of the Kerala Blasters, he can take his side to their first Indian Super League title.

#4 Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov is also not known too much for his leadership abilities but the Bulgarian fits the captaincy bill thanks to his experience at the top level and the sheer weight of his goals.

He is another fan favourite among the Kerala faithful and received a warm welcome at the airport when he arrived in Kochi. Berbatov, with his star power and charisma, can lead the Yellow Army to the title and is a strong candidate for the captain's role.

#3 Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan is widely recognized as one of the best players in India and since the start of the ISL, he has been adored by the Kerala fans. The defender was handed the captain's armband with the national team earlier this year and with his leadership credentials established, he is one of the leading candidates to captain the Blasters this season.

He has displayed remarkable levels of consistency in the last three seasons of the ISL, emerging as one of the best players to have come out of the competition. Making him the captain of the side will certainly be a bold move from the Blasters' management.

#2 Iain Hume

Iain Hume

Iain Hume has been the captain for Kerala Blasters before, wearing the armband for the Yellow Army in the first season of the ISL. At ATK too, Hume has led the side, which makes him a prime contender for the captain's role at the Blasters in Season 4.

The Canadian is also the top scorer in ISL history, which shows that he leads by example and has won the title in Season 3. He is back at the Kerala Blasters, where he is a massive fan following, and can be expected to captain the Yellow Army for the upcoming season.

# 1 Wes Brown

Wes Brown at Manchester United

Wes Brown's credentials and experience are as good as they get among any player in the ISL. He has spent 15 years at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and even captained the side towards the end of spell, before featuring for Sunderland for a further five, where he also wore the captain's armband.

These factors certainly make the top choice for the captain's role at the Kerala Blasters and with former United man Rene Meulensteen at the helm, the duo can take the Blasters to the elusive title this season.