ISL 2017: Eight Indian players making a comeback into mainstream football
Posted on 2nd Nov, 2017 06:46:28 am
Ashim Biswas - Jamshesdpur FC: The forgotten man of Indian football, Ashim Biswas was a familiar name in the early half of the last decade. Biswas made his name as a promising young striker who was snapped up by Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan. Once touted as a replacement for the legendary Baichung Bhutia, Biswas made his debut for the Indian national team at the tender age of only 20. A move to Salgaocar coupled with injury troubles meant that Biswas soon faded away from the limelight as a certain Sunil Chhetri began making his mark in the national team.
Dhanachandra Singh - Chennaiyin: The Manipur-born centre-back has plied his trade at the likes of Mumbai FC, United SC and Mohun Bagan before shining for ISL side Chennaiyin in 2014-15. The defender possesses a rather unique weapon in the form of a lethal long throw-in, a la Rory Delap. Dhanachandra was slated to take part in the ISL in 2016 but an injury sustained with Mohun Bagan in the I-league ruled the defender out of the entire tournament. He will make a return from the Chennai based outfit in the upcoming season.
Collin Abranches - Bengaluru FC: The 25-year-old defender has already enjoyed stints with clubs in Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata in his fledging career having played for the likes of Air India, Salgaocar and Mohammedan SC. The defender spent 2016-17 in the second division of the I-League with Ozone FC in Bengaluru before being picked up ISL side Bengaluru FC in the players draft for the upcoming edition.
Loken Meitei - Kerala Blasters: The 20-year-old left winger started his career with the youth set up of Shillong based club Royal Wahingdoh FC. He joined Shillong United on loan for a brief period before disappearing into the wilderness of lower league football. The still young and promising winger has been picked by Kerala Blasters for the upcoming edition and will be looking to make a lasting mark.
Ajay Singh - FC Pune: The Punjab striker has had stints with a host of clubs having burst on to the scene with the Pailan Arrows. The tall striker has since had spells with Mohammedan SC and Churchill Brothers before joining Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in 2016. He would fail to make a mark with the club before being transferred to fellow Kolkata club Southern Samity in the second division of the I-league. The striker was picked up by FC Pune for the upcoming edition of the ISL.
Bruno Colaco - FC Goa: A product of the SESA Football Academy in Goa, goalkeeper Bruno Colaco joined Sporting Club de Goa in 2012 where he made his I-League debut. In 2013, Colaco joined new I-League entrants Benguluru FC but moved back to Goa with Dempo a year later after failing to establish himself. Since then the shot-stopper has been shining for Salgaocar and Goa in the Santosh Trophy before being snapped up by FC Goa in the latest players draft.
Gurtej Singh - FC Pune City: The 27-year-old Punjab centre-back started his career with JCT in 2010 before joining Pailan Arrows following the disbandment of the I-league club. After spending a year with Churchill Brothers, the defender was picked up be Bengaluru FC where he spent two seasons before being released by the club. Gurtej spent 2016-17 in the I-League second division with Hyderabad based Fateh FC, captaining the side in the process. His promising showings with the club paid off after he was picked up by FC Pune City for the ISL.
Harpreet Singh - FC Pune City: The veteran defender first made his mark in the I-League way back in 20015 with JCT. After two seasons with the Phagwara club, the defender joinied Mahindra United in 2007 before making the switch to Air India two year later. The 35-year-old has also enjoyed a stint with Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan but has been plying his trade with Sporting Club de Goa in the Goa Professional League before being picked up FC Pune in the players draft.