A great pass can change a game but a great interception can save one.

While goalscorers and playmakers have often hogged the spotlight in Indian Super League (ISL) headlines, there's a different breed of heroes quietly putting in the hard yards at the back. These are the readers of the game, the disruptors-in-chief, the players who step in just in time to kill attacks before they become threats.

The ISL 2024-25 season gave us plenty of such players, ones with a sixth sense for danger. With that, here’s a look at those players who racked up the most interceptions.

1) Nikhil Prabhu - 56 interceptions in 21 matches

Prabhu was one of the surprise packages of the season. Naturally a centre-back, Prabhu was given a slightly different brief by Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis to operate as a holding midfielder. And boy, did he deliver.

Stepping into an unusual role, Prabhu added real steel to Punjab FC's midfield. Whether it was cutting off passing lanes, shielding the backline or kickstarting transitions, he was everywhere, intercepting passes and showing calm under pressure.

Punjab FC may have missed out on the playoffs, but Prabhu’s performances didn’t go unnoticed earning him a first-ever senior national team call-up in May.

2) Subhasish Bose - 48 interceptions in 25 matches

Subhasish Bose had the kind of season dreams are made of. Not only did he captain Mohun Bagan Super Giant to their first-ever ISL double, but he also put in one stellar defensive display after another.

Bose wasn’t just the top interceptor in his squad, he was also one of their top tacklers and their third-highest goalscorer with six goals. A defender putting up those numbers at both ends of the pitch, that’s captain material.

Time and again, Bose led by example, positioning himself perfectly to break up plays, step into challenges and launch counters. Whether it was stopping tricky wingers or scoring from set-pieces, he delivered in every phase of the game.

3) Abhishek Singh - 47 interceptions in 22 matches

Another key player under Dilmperis, Abhishek Singh was one of the brightest young sparks of the season. Slotting into the right-back role, Singh proved that age is just a number when you’ve got reading of the game and nerves of steel.

With 47 interceptions, he was a menace for wingers all season long and showed an uncanny ability to nip attacks in the bud, especially in 1v1 situations. He made life miserable for attackers trying to cut in or overlap on his flank.

4) Stephen Eze - 44 interceptions in 23 matches

Stephen Eze’s return to Jamshedpur FC was like watching a familiar hero walk back into town. Except this time, he was even better. Towering at the back, the Nigerian defender didn’t just rely on his size; he brought positioning, leadership and composure to a backline that was often under pressure.

Despite Jamshedpur FC conceding a fair number of goals, Eze stood tall, contributing five clean sheets and chipping in with three goals. But what really stood out were his 44 interceptions. He was constantly in the right place at the right time, stepping in just as the final pass was about to be played.

Whether it was cutting off a through ball or rising above strikers to intercept headers, Eze was the anchor in Jamshedpur FC’s semi-final run.

5) Pachuau Laldinpuia - 37 interceptions in 21 matches

Laldinpuia is not the flashiest and nor does he make the headlines often. But is the kind of player every coach loves. Reliable and quietly effective.

In a Chennaiyin FC season that didn’t quite go as planned, Laldinpuia was one of the few bright spots in defence. Stationed on the right flank, he made 37 interceptions in 21 matches, often halting opposition wingers before they could do any damage.

More importantly, he made life difficult for dribblers, closing down space quickly. The numbers might not scream for attention, but his consistency did all the talking. A rock on the flank and an unsung hero for the Marina Machans.