The strategic deployment of a team's squad depth has become increasingly fundamental considering the upscaling and demanding landscape of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The ISL 2024-25 season has also witnessed its clubs making tweaks to the starting eleven at different points in time, based on their respective head coaches' tactical instincts. As the season drew to a close, let's delve into an analysis of the teams that have utilised the most players, offering fascinating insights throughout their campaigns.

32 players—East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC struggled all season to find their best possible starting lineup. Injuries to key players and facing several suspensions compelled them to make changes and look for other alternatives. The Red and Gold Brigade's inability to set up a perfect combination for the long run again dashed their playoff hopes for the fifth consecutive season.

29 players—Mohammedan SC & Kerala Blasters FC

Mohammedan Sporting Club and Kerala Blasters FC experienced a similar outing this season. Both Andre Chernyshov and Mikael Stahre left their roles as head coach in their respective clubs, followed by interim Indian head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo and T.G. Puroshothaman respectively leading the team in the remaining games. The Blasters and the Black and White Brigade had also constantly tinkered with their squads leading to inconsistent performances.

28 players—Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC's performance this season didn't match their standards over the years. Despite the Islanders securing a playoff spot, Petr Kratky's men lacked consistency and couldn't produce a dominating performance at the Mumbai Football Arena. Lengthy injuries to Nikolaos Karelis, Jon Toral, and Brandon Fernandes forced them to go with an unchanged eleven and opened the floor for experiments in such crucial positions.

27 players—Punjab FC

Punjab FC made a roaring start to the league, but dropping points at the mid-season juncture saw them finish outside the top six. Injuries again came into play as Filip Mrzljak, Luka Majcen, Ezequiel Vidal, and Ivan Novoselec were out of action for a couple of games throughout different phases of the season. Panagiotis Dilmperis also introduced a couple of academy players in the form of Muhammad Suhail, Manglenthang Kipgen, and Pramveer Singh this season, aiming for a balanced squad in the coming years.

26 players—Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Hyderabad FC

Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Hyderabad FC used a total of 26 players throughout the campaign and were quite successful in making it to the playoffs, except for the Yellow and Black Brigade.

The Blues enjoyed a fantastic season but finished as the runners-up in the ISL Cup final. The Highlanders and the Men of Steel also showcased spirited performances, leading them to qualify for the playoffs after missing them in recent years.