The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed the emergence of young stars on the national circuit over the years, brushing shoulders with some of the best players in football history. This 2018-19 season has been no different. Only nine matches into the new season and an impressive tally of 22 goals have already been netted.

However, what’s special about the start to the fifth season is the number of promising national talents who registered their names on the scoreboard for the first time in Hero ISL history. Here are the Indians who netted their debut league goal this season.

PRANJAL BHUMIJ

Club: Mumbai City FC
Scored against: Kerala Blasters FC


A former development player for the club, Bhumij stepped into Kerala’s final third on Friday, before unleashing a ferocious drive that whistled into the top right-hand corner, leaving the Blasters supporters stunned. It turned out to be Bhumij’s first goal in his short Hero ISL career, but one he’ll surely cherish for years to come. After having represented Mumbai only six times throughout the entirety of last season, Pranjal would be hoping that his breathtaking strike opens the floodgates for more appearances in the first team.

NISHU KUMAR

Club: Bengaluru FC
Scored against: Jamshedpur FC


Retained by Bengaluru in the youth players category in 2015, Nishu Kumar was always seen as a future star both for club and country. Known as ‘Ronaldo Bhai’ in his native Muzaffarnagar, Nishu has started and impressed in both of Bengaluru’s matches this season, while scoring an impressive dipping goal from outside the box in his side’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Jamshedpur. Bengaluru will be hoping for more of the same from the left-back in the season ahead.

HALICHARAN NARZARY

Club: Kerala Blasters FC
Scored against: Mumbai City FC

The Assamese winger’s rise to success comes straight out of a fairytale. Aged 24, the forward is already an integral part of David James’ Kerala side, operating mainly from the left-hand side of the attack. Narzary handed his side the lead in the 1-1 draw against Mumbai, when he smashed the ball low and hard to the goalkeeper’s near post, capping off a neat team move. His pace and trickery will come in handy as the Blasters chase their first Hero ISL title.

RANA GHARAMI

Club: Delhi Dynamos FC
Scored against: FC Pune City


Dreams do come true and it did for Rana. Turning out for the first time in Hero ISL, the West Bengal-born defender let fly a scorcher that already looks like a contender for goal of the season. A former Mohun Bagan player, Gharami is quite new to the Hero ISL circuit and played his debut match for the Lions against the Stallions. However, judging by his wonder strike in Delhi’s 1-1 draw with Pune, Gharami is a serious proposition to consider this season.

ROWLLIN BORGES

Club: NorthEast United FC
Scored against: ATK

No player has turned out more times for the Highlanders than Borges in the last two seasons. Also, a part of the Indian setup, he has been a vital cog in NorthEast’s impressive start to the current season, anchoring the midfield alongside new recruit Jose Leudo. Against ATK, Borges clinched the match for NorthEast deep into the game, beating his marker and heading his side into the lead. Boasting an impressive passing accuracy, Borges looks ready to shoulder the Highlanders to their maiden title, after scoring his maiden Hero ISL goal.

GOURAV MUKHI

Club: Jamshedpur FC
Scored against: Bengaluru FC

Mukhi’s rise to the Hero ISL limelight was confirmed on Sunday, when he slotted home a neat Mario Arques pass to get his side back in the match against Bengaluru. A native of Jamshedpur, Mukhi's reputation has grown in leaps and bounds over the past couple of years with even Tim Cahill testifying to the youngster's undoubted ability. Enjoying a good start to their Hero ISL campaign, Jamshedpur will be hoping that Mukhi keeps up his impressive work.

Have a look at what the next week has in store for you!