The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 will soon head to its business end, but the battle for the top four keeps intensifying with each passing match week. From a pure consistency point of view, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Pune City and FC Goa are up there in the standings, staking a strong claim for the playoffs. Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC are the two other teams in the mix that could land a serious challenge for the race to the top four, provided they pull up their socks.

A common factor amongst all these teams is that they have at least one Indian player who has made a major impact in shaping his team’s campaign so far. With a new rule this season that makes six Indian players mandatory in a team’s playing eleven, the domestic talents have stepped up emphatically and delivered the goods.

Table-toppers Bengaluru FC of course have their iconic captain, who has been an integral part of the squad since the Blues’ inception. Sunil Chhetri has led from the front in his team’s debut HERO ISL season, delivering the goods without fail. His eight goals make him the highest scoring Indian in the league so far and also the second-highest scorer in his team, just one behind Venezuelan goal-machine Miku. He also has an assist and is one of the most dangerous players for any defence in the league.

Chennaiyin FC are second on the table, and they have the ‘Mizo Sniper’ to thank. Jeje Lalpekhlua has only one goal less than Chhetri and having shown good goal-scoring ability throughout all seasons of the league, this season is no different. Jeje has been ever-opportunistic and clinical, having also scored a brace twice so far. A strong player, he frequently manages to find openings in any defence.

FC Pune City have scored 23 goals so far, mostly thanks to their South American duo of Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro. However, there are two other players who have given immense support to these two and the team in general. Midfielder Adil Khan is one of the most versatile players and is easily able to slot into his defensive or attacking roles. He has scored four goals so far, which is quite commendable as a midfielder, and is a dangerous target from set-pieces too. Being strong, he hardly allows the opposition attackers past him. 21-year-old forward Ashique Kuruniyan has been a revelation in the Hero ISL. He has bagged a goal and an assist, and his speedy runs combined with good dribbling skills has taken many a defence to task.

FC Goa are the free-scorers of the league this season, thanks to the deadly Spanish combination of Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote. The duo has bagged 20 out of the Gaurs’ 27 goals so far, but one also has to credit local boy Mandar Rao Dessai. The 25-year-old has been in excellent form on the flanks, charging forward and cutting in, while also putting in incisive crosses and teeing up the forwards. Dessai himself has bagged a goal and notched up three assists, and with the ball, he always seems to find an opening.

League debutants Jamshedpur FC have not exactly been prolific when it comes to scoring, but 20-year-old Jerry Mawihmingthanga has stepped up as and when required. His pace is difficult to keep up with, and he provides ample amount of support from the flanks. Jerry has a goal and an assist to his name. The team’s positive results have been largely down to their robust defending, and it is here that right-back Souvik Chakrabarti has stepped up. A hardy and seasoned player, he rarely allows any player to outfox him, while also going forward and putting in crosses. He has played a key role in his team conceding the least number of goals so far.

Mumbai City FC have been slightly inconsistent when it comes to getting results, but forward Balwant Singh has made sure that getting goals is not a problem. His six goals are a third of his team’s total tally so far, making him the highest scorer for the Islanders currently. Balwant also has an assist and uses his pace and strength to good effect to beat the defence frequently.

From the remaining clubs – Kerala Blasters FC, ATK, NorthEast United FC and Delhi Dynamos FC – the Indian players entrusted with bagging goals this season have not really stepped up. The only exception would be the Lions’ talented forward Lallianzuala Chhangte, who has at times shouldered the entire responsibility of the attacking line. The 20-year-old has bagged a couple of goals and an assist but has been largely starved for support.

The fortunes of the clubs this season are thus largely down to the Indian players stepping up and performing. With the fight for the Hero ISL playoffs intensifying, they will all be under the spotlight and expected to deliver for their respective teams.

Which of the Indian players have you been excited to watch in the Hero ISL so far? Sound off in the comments below!