The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 has just about passed the half-way stage and a few players have hogged the limelight with their consistent show so far.

While the foreign recruits have stayed true to their quality and led their respective teams’ charge, there are a handful of Indian players who have made headlines with some scintillating football. Here’s a look at the top five Indian players who have set the stage alight with their performance.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

This man needs no introduction. The talismanic skipper, with his tally of seven goals, is the highest-scoring Indian so far this season.

Chhetri has been with Bengaluru since its inception and much of their success can be attributed to him. The 33-year-old has always been on the prowl, keeping the defence on its toes throughout a game, and is an ever-opportunistic striker.

With enough pace at his disposal, Chhetri has been smart to get into goal-scoring spaces more often than not and has also turned provider for his teammates with his precise crosses.

Adil Khan (FC Pune City)

One of the most versatile players in the league this season, Adil Khan’s attacking prowess is as commendable as his defence. As Pune’s midfield engine, the 29-year-old has been key in breaking numerous attacks and has used his well-built body to great use to wrong-foot the defenders.

Khan has been very influential in the air, winning headers at will, and his tally of four goals in nine matches is particularly impressive given that he plays in the holding role for Pune.

Vishal Kaith (FC Pune City)

The 21-year-old custodian has been one of the stand-out performers for FC Pune City so far.

With four clean sheets from eight games, Kaith is second only to Subrata Paul (five from 11) in the Golden Glove race, and it’s no surprise that Ranko Popovic, the Pune head coach, has stuck to his guns in believing in this young shot-stopper.

A confident customer while dealing with situations inside the box, the AIFF Academy graduate has improved with his distribution too and has been a vital cog in many of the attacking moves Pune come up with.

Balwant Singh (Mumbai City FC)

This 31-year-old striker has led the Islanders’ attack to good effect this season. Know to be a nuisance for the defenders, Balwant has used his goal-scoring abilities to notch up five goals and an assist in his 10 appearances so far.

The Mumbai head coach, Alexandre Guimarães, has also put his versatility to good use by operating him in a wide role this season.

Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC)

The Mizo Sniper has lived up to his reputation this season. He has netted six goals for the 2015 Hero ISL champions, and behind Chhetri, is the second-highest scoring Indian so far.

With deadly finishing skills and good strength that can hold off any defender, Jeje has been Chennaiyin’s go-to man in the attack. His positional play has been exceptional and has been successful in creating openings through tightly-marked defences.