Hero Indian Super League’s (ISL) initial dream was to bring a change in the football scene in the country, and ultimately ensure that the world perceives Indian football as the next big thing in the sports circuit. The presence of world-class coaches and world-renowned players have made Hero ISL the perfect breeding ground to unearth new talents, with every season gifting passionate football fans, new heroes to celebrate.

In the current 2017-18 season, a big change in the overall format was made when an extra Indian was added to the Starting XI of every team. It meant that in place of five, now the clubs have to include six Indian players to play should-to-shoulder with five foreign recruits. Though the experts were a little apprehensive about how this would affect the overall quality of football on display, after almost a half-century of matches this season, one can conclude that the end product has been phenomenal.

Amongst the 124 goals scored this season, 35 of them have been scored by local players, which is the highest Hero ISL tally ever, after the completion of 48 matches. Along with this, a total of 18 different Indians have scored which is also a record after 48 matches. Not just goals but the presence of an extra Indian in the side has increased the number of domestic assist-providers, as well. This season has seen almost 26 different Indians contributing with an assist for their respective sides.

One of the biggest finds of this season has been Delhi Dynamos FC’s Lallianzuala Chhangte. The 21-year-old wunderkind already has two goals and an assist to his name and was the main influence in ending Delhi’s eight-match winless streak with a 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC on Sunday. His speed is his biggest asset, with 10 shots, 279 passes and 322 touches in 10 games showcasing the amount of hard work he puts in on the field. He also currently holds the record of being the youngest Indian player to score and assist in a single game, a feat he achieved against FC Pune City in his side’s first game of the season.

Another youngster who has grabbed eyeballs is Chhangte’s teammate Vinit Rai. Delhi’s season may not be going as expected, but its young brigade is surely making a splash. Rai has played eight matches this season, with a mammoth 527 passes and 574 touches to his name already. He also boasts an 85% passing accuracy and averages 65.88 passes per match. His 71 passes in Delhi’s match against Pune was the highest by any player in that fixture.

ATK’s Hitesh Sharma has also been a revelation this season. The 21-year-old, whose displays have been lauded by their head coach Teddy Sheringham, is playing in his debut Hero ISL and has already represented the defending champions in eight matches. Playing mainly as an attacking midfielder behind the likes of Robbie Keane or Njazi Kuqi, he has an admirable 206 passes and 246 touches to his name. His 16 tackles and nine blocks are also an indicator of how he retreats back to aid his defence. His five shots on target are the maximum by any Indian player in ATK, as of now.

Jerry Lalrinzuala at the age of only 20, has carved a niche for himself with his resolute defensive displays. Having made his debut in 2016, he has featured in each of Chennaiyin FC’s matches this season. The left-back has 16 tackles, 12 interceptions, 10 clearances and 11 blocks to his name already, with an assist and three shots, showing his range of activities on the field. His 569 touches and 409 passes are another reminder of his talent.

Another Chennaiyin youngster Baoringdao Bodo also created history by becoming the youngest player to compete in the Hero ISL earlier this season. The AIFF Elite Academy prospect became the youngest player (18 years, 1 month, 2 days) to play in the league’s history when he started for Chennai against FC Goa.

Other youngsters who are blossoming under the guidance of experienced heads and slowly making a mark this season is Jamshedpur FC’s forward Jerry Mawhmingthanga and FC Pune City’s defender Sarthak Golui, who managed an assist in his first ever ISL match against Delhi Dynamos. With more than 50 games remaining this season, it’s safe to say that the youngsters have made their mark already this season and will continue to have a say before the end of the season.