The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023–24 season was marked by the emergence of Indian forwards who stepped up during decisive moments, delivering crucial goals for their teams. Despite often being overshadowed by the presence of foreign forwards in their squads, these Indian players had a successful season in the tenth edition of the ISL.

Throughout the eight-month-long season, Indian players scored 134 goals, the highest tally to date, accounting for 35.83% of the total 384 goals scored. Furthermore, Indian players contributed 43.21% of the total goal involvements, with 264 out of 611 contributions.

From seasoned veterans like Sunil Chhetri to promising youngsters like Vikram Pratap Singh and Parthib Gogoi, many Indian forwards showcased their quality, maturity, and precision in front of goal. As the dust settles on the ISL 2023-24 season, we have highlighted the five best Indian forwards who scored the most goals in this just-concluded season.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC) - 10 Goals

 

 

 

Chhangte has been in sensational form for Mumbai City FC throughout the ISL 2023–24 season, contributing 10 goals in his 25 appearances. Notably, the Mizo forward was the highest goal contributor for the Islanders, with a total of 16 goal involvements, thanks to his six assists - more than any of his teammates.

The 26-year-old dynamic winger-forward created 43 chances, completed 512 successful passes, and succeeded in 37 dribbles, while maintaining an 83% passing accuracy. Chhangte established himself as an integral part of Petr Kratky's starting lineup, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai City FC's ISL Cup victory.

Vikram Partap Singh (Mumbai City FC) - 8 Goals

 

Singh was a worthy contender for the 'Emerging Player of the Season' award due to his commendable performance under the guidance of head coach Petr Kratky. Singh achieved career-best numbers this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.

With his rapid speed on both flanks and his knack for finding dangerous positions in the box, he became an X-factor for the Islanders. In addition to his 12 goal contributions, Singh took 15 shots on target, won 87 duels, and averaged 17 passes per game, maintaining a goal conversion rate of 26.67%.

Parthib Sundar Gogoi (NorthEast United FC) - 5 Goals

 

 

 

Gogoi kicked off the season turbulently, becoming a potent threat from the edge of the box with his robust, precise right-footed golazos. However, after being sidelined for a couple of matches due to injury, Gogoi found it slightly challenging to regain his lost momentum; otherwise, his numbers could have been even more impressive.

The dynamic forward scored five goals and provided four assists in his 17 appearances for the Highlanders. Clocking 1,100 minutes on the pitch this season, Gogoi created 21 chances, completed 16 successful dribbles, and won 49 duels, maintaining a passing accuracy of 69%.

Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC) - 5 Goals

 

Since joining East Bengal FC during the 2023 summer transfer window, Nandhakumar Sekar has stood out as one of the club's top performers, consistently making effective goal contributions. In his 19 ISL appearances, Sekar recorded five goals, created 20 chances, played 17 key passes, and boasted a 31.25% goal conversion rate.

The versatile forward played a pivotal role in East Bengal FC's triumph in the Kalinga Super Cup and their runners-up finish in the Durand Cup. Sekar emerged as one of the key attackers for the team, forming a strong partnership with fellow forwards Naorem Mahesh Singh and Cleiton Silva.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) - 5 Goals

 

 

 

 

Despite his stellar track record in the league, Chhetri's individual performance for Bengaluru FC this season did not match expectations, with only five goals to his name. The veteran forward featured in 20 games, completing 236 passes, creating 12 chances, taking 16 shots on target, and making 84 touches in the opposition box.

Three out of his five goals came from penalty kicks. In addition to his goals, Chhetri also provided three assists, cementing his position as the highest-goal contributor for the Blues.