The Indian Super League (ISL) was launched in 2014, offering a stage for local players to display their skills while brushing shoulders with renowned international footballers. Over the past decade, the league has evolved significantly, with the standard of play intensifying and teams increasingly competing on equal footing. 

Throughout this period, numerous players have distinguished themselves, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes and clinching trophies. These players have not only exemplified longevity but have also been pivotal in the ISL’s growth and success, making significant contributions to their teams and the league as a whole. 

Here, we highlight ten players who have accumulated the most appearances in the ISL.

1) Pritam Kotal: 162 appearances

Pritam Kotal is one of the most experienced defenders in the ISL, amassing 162 appearances. Known for his solid defensive skills and leadership, Kotal has enjoyed a highly successful career in the league. 

He began his journey with FC Pune City and made a notable impact, but it was his move to ATK FC in 2016 where he truly made his mark. Kotal was instrumental in ATK's triumph in the 2016 ISL Cup. Following his tenure at ATK, he moved to Delhi Dynamos FC, where he was part of a team that reached the semi-finals. 

Kotal's return to ATK FC saw him clinch his second ISL Cup in the 2019-20 season. His subsequent stint with Mohun Bagan SG was equally impressive, culminating in a third ISL Cup victory in 2022-23. In 2023, Kotal signed with Kerala Blasters FC, continuing to showcase his leadership skills and experience.

2) Amrinder Singh: 162 appearances

Singh, one of the top-regarded goalkeepers in India, shares the top spot with Kotal, having also made 162 appearances in the ISL. Singh's journey through the league has been marked by significant achievements and consistent performances. 

Although he did not participate in the inaugural season, Singh quickly established himself as one of the league's top keepers. He began his career with ATK FC on loan in 2015 and then joined Mumbai City FC on loan from Bengaluru FC. His permanent move to Mumbai City FC in 2017 was a game-changer, leading to a league double in the 2020-21 season under his captaincy. 

Singh continued to deliver impressive performances since then, representing the likes of Mohun Bagan SG and Odisha FC.

3) Lenny Rodrigues: 159 appearances

Rodrigues has been a vital midfielder in the ISL, making over 150 appearances. Rodrigues' versatility and playmaking abilities have made him a key player for several teams. His ISL journey began with FC Pune City and the Goa-born footballer later represented Bengaluru FC. 

It was at FC Goa, where he became known for his exceptional passing and vision. Rodrigues was instrumental in FC Goa's 2019-20 season, helping them win the ISL Shield. He later signed for Mohun Bagan SG before moving to FC Goa again. The veteran midfielder is currently part of Odisha FC.

4) Mandar Rao Dessai: 155 appearances

Dessai is another stalwart of the ISL and his career in the league has been marked by success. He initially made a name for himself at FC Goa, where he evolved from a winger to a dependable full-back. His tenure at FC Goa included winning the League Shield in the 2019-20 season. 

Dessai’s move to Mumbai City FC in the 2020-21 season proved fruitful, as he was part of the team that achieved the league double. He continued to excel with Mumbai City FC, winning another Shield title in the 2022-23 season before joining East Bengal FC and, more recently, Chennaiyin FC.

5) Sunil Chettri: 155 appearances

Chhetri, one of the most prolific forwards in the league, has also made 155 appearances. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership, Chhetri is the top Indian goalscorer in the league, with 61 goals across ten seasons. He started his ISL career with Mumbai City FC and played two seasons before transferring to Bengaluru FC. 

At Bengaluru FC, Chhetri won his first ISL Cup in the 2018-19 season and earned the ISL Golden Ball in 2017-18, becoming the first Indian player to do so. Despite having won just one ISL Cup, his contributions have been crucial to his teams' successes, making him a standout player in the league’s history.

6) Rahul Bheke: 150 appearances

One of the finest defenders in the country, very few players can match the success that Bheke has had in the ISL. Bheke's career in the league began with Kerala Blasters FC and then FC Pune City, both on loan stints. 

His breakthrough came with Bengaluru FC, where he played a pivotal role in their 2018-19 season, scoring the decisive goal in the final to secure their first ISL Cup. Bheke's move to Mumbai City FC saw him captain the team to two trophies, including the League Shield in the 2022-23 season and the ISL Cup in the 2023-24 season. His recent return to Bengaluru FC has added another chapter to his distinguished career.

7) Lallianzuala Chhangte: 144 appearances

The India international is one of the most talented goalscorers in the country and is only second to Chhetri in the list for the most goals scored by Indian players in the ISL with 40 goals to his name. 

Chhangte’s ISL career began with NorthEast United FC on loan in 2016, followed by a two-season stint with Delhi Dynamos FC. His time at Chennaiyin FC was particularly notable, where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities. 

A loan move to Mumbai City FC during the 2021-22 season turned permanent, and Chhangte has played a crucial role in the team’s success since then, including winning the Shield in the 2022-23 season and the ISL Cup in the 2023-24 season. 

8) Subhasish Bose: 142 appearances

Bose has rapidly established himself as one of the most dependable defenders in the ISL. His debut season came in the 2018-19 campaign with Bengaluru FC, when the club was newly added to the league. After spending one season with the Blues, Bose moved to Mumbai City FC, where he played for two seasons. 

In 2020, he returned to his hometown club, Mohun Bagan SG. Since joining Mohun Bagan SG, Bose has been instrumental in leading the team to the playoffs in each season. His leadership on the field has been a key factor in the club's recent successes, including winning both the ISL Cup and the Shield under his captaincy.

9) Harmanjot Khabra: 140 appearances

Harmanjot Khabra is one of the most decorated defenders in the ISL, boasting three ISL Cups in his career. The full-back, currently with East Bengal FC, has previously played for Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, and Kerala Blasters FC.

Khabra’s ISL journey started with Chennaiyin FC, where he achieved notable success over four seasons, securing two ISL Cups. He then joined Bengaluru FC, adding a third ISL Cup to his collection during his four-season stint with the club. Afterward, he moved to Kerala Blasters FC, where he quickly became a key player, helping the team reach the playoffs in both seasons he was there. The defender is currently part of East Bengal FC and has been with the club since 2022. 

10) Sandesh Jhingan: 139 appearances

Jhingan is widely regarded as one of India's premier defenders and a standout talent to emerge from the ISL. He has come a long way since winning the Emerging Player of the League award in his debut ISL season, going on to represent the Indian national team and establishing himself as one of their key players.

Jhingan made his mark with Kerala Blasters FC, where he spent six seasons and established himself as a cornerstone of their defence. Following his tenure with the Blasters, he joined Mohun Bagan SG for the 2020-21 season. Jhingan's performance earned him a move to Croatian club HNK Šibenik, but an injury curtailed his ambitions and he returned to Mohun Bagan SG midway through the 2021-22 season.

In the 2022-23 season, he signed with Bengaluru FC, where he played a crucial role in the team’s successful run to three finals and their victory in the Durand Cup. He has been part of FC Goa since the 2023-24 season and has continued to solidifying his reputation as a top defender in the league.