The countdown to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has begun, and with it, the Matchweek 1 deadline for the ISL Fantasy game is drawing closer. While managers are still finalising their ISL Fantasy squads, building a strong, balanced team requires selecting the right budget players.

Though many players from last season have seen well-deserved price hikes due to their performances, there are still some whose price tags are surprisingly low and new signings that present great value.

With that in mind, here’s a closer look at budget options in ISL Fantasy to consider for your team.

Goalkeepers

Odisha FC’s Amrinder Singh is a no-brainer at 5.0 CR. He registered the joint-highest number of clean sheets last term and also accumulated more saves than any other keeper in the league.

Fantasy managers looking for a differential pick might consider NorthEast United FC’s Gurmeet Singh, who is also priced at 5.0 CR. The youngster was instrumental in the Highlanders’ Durand Cup success, with crucial penalty saves in the final helping them win their first title. Given his recent performances, it’s safe to say he is the first-choice keeper at the club now.

For those seeking options in the 4.5 CR category, Jamshedpur FC’s Albino Gomes and Mohammedan Sporting Club’s Padam Chettri stand out. Gomes, who previously made a name for himself with Kerala Blasters FC, brings valuable ISL experience. Meanwhile, Chettri, who will make his ISL debut this season, was awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the I-League last season and could offer great value.

Defenders

Mumbai City FC full-back Akash Mishra, Mohun Bagan Super Giant defender Subashish Bose, and Bengaluru FC’s new signing Rahul Bheke are undervalued options at 5.0 CR and could provide excellent value. 

Mishra has the ability to earn points at both ends of the pitch. Bose was solid for Mohun Bagan SG last season, keeping nine clean sheets while also scoring a goal. Bheke, having moved from Mumbai City FC to Bengaluru FC, is a reliable defender, having been one of the best in the league for several seasons.

In the 4.5 CR category or below, Hyderabad FC’s Alex Saji is the most picked player, with an ownership of around 20 percent. He made 12 interceptions in 10 appearances last season, which could help you rack up extra points.

Aiban Dohling, also priced at 4.5 CR, offers a budget-friendly route into the Kerala Blasters FC defence. He played three out of their four games in the Durand Cup after missing most of last season due to injury.

In the 4.0 CR category, Bikash Yumnam is the highest-picked player in this price bracket, with an ownership of seven percent at the time of writing. The youngster impressed in his debut ISL season, becoming a crucial part of Chennaiyin FC’s lineup and featuring in 20 games.

Midfielders

NorthEast United FC’s Jithin MS is the highest-owned player in the 7.5 CR category or below, priced at 7.0 CR. He had a standout Durand Cup campaign, contributing four goals and three assists across six games.

Mohun Bagan SG’s Anirudh Thapa and Odisha FC’s Isak Vanlalruatfela are also attractive options at 7.0 CR. Thapa offers a cost-effective route into the Mohun Bagan SG attack and is capable of both scoring and assisting. Vanlalruatfela, having shone last season, contributed four goals and three assists in Odisha FC’s run to the semi-finals.

For those looking at cheaper options, Jamshedpur FC’s Mohammed Sanan at 6.5 CR is a solid differential pick. Sanan had a standout debut campaign last season, contributing two goals and assists and was one of the league’s best young players.

If you need a cheap bench option, Chennaiyin FC’s new signing Kiyan Nassiri could be a good choice at 5.0 CR. Nassiri will be eager to prove himself at his new club and secure more game time, having shown his potential with Mohun Bagan SG previously.

Forwards

Mumbai City FC’s Nikolaos Karelis is the most picked forward in the 7.0 CR category or below and represents good value if he secures his place as their No. 9.

Jamshedpur FC’s Jordan Murray, also priced at 7.0 CR, could be a strong value pick if he maintains his spot, though he will face competition from teammate Javi Siverio (6.5 CR). Murray was Chennaiyin FC’s top scorer last season and has already got off the mark for Jamshedpur FC in the Durand Cup. Siverio has also scored twice for Jamshedpur FC in the Cup.

For those seeking a budget enabler, NorthEast United FC winger Thoi Singh stands out in the 4.5 CR category. Coming off an impressive Durand Cup campaign, Singh contributed two goals and an assist across their title-winning campaign.