The rule of having at least five Indian players on the pitch for the entire match has been a constant headache this season for the renowned coaches sitting in the dug-outs of the Indian Super League franchises.
The fact that none of them have consistently chosen to field more Indians than the minimum limit shows that the local players have failed to earn the kind of faith that the gaffers put on their foreign recruits.
This season, however, has another dimension added to the problem as the Indian forwards have not started firing which means most of the domestic players who are getting regular playing opportunities in the competitions are either goalkeepers or defenders.
This trend is clear when we try to list down the best XI of the season so far, conforming to the rules of having at least five Indians. The team chosen is expected to line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Goalkeeper: Sandip Nandy – Kerala Blasters
The oldest player of the competition has not pulled off many stellar shows for Kerala Blasters this year but has been a dependable presence between the sticks. His inclusion in the starting XI has given Steve Coppell a chance to have more foreign outfield players.
The former East Bengal custodian has conceded only two goals in 475 minutes of action, better than any other goalkeeper in the action. The Blasters are now on a five-match unbeaten run after a horrible start to the campaign and the 41-year-old will continue to play a pivotal role if Coppell sticks to his plan of playing an Indian shot-stopper.
Right-back: Chinglesana Konsham Singh – Delhi Dynamos
The towering youngster, who recently made his debut for the national team has impressed for Delhi Dyanmos playing in all seven matches for the franchise.
The 19-year old made a name for himself during the last I-League playing for Shillong Lajong and has developed further this season. Starting as a right-back, he has also slotted in at the heart of the defence when Anas Edathodika was ruled out with an injury.
Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan – Kerala Blasters
The India international, who had signed an eight-digit deal with Kerala Blasters last season, continues to provide them with the robustness at the back along with Cedric Hangbart as the outfit, lacking imagination upfront, now boasts of the best defensive record in the league.
Jhingan has played both as a right-back and a central defender and it will be interesting to see if he would be deployed as a left-back in the coming matches in case Coppell decides to field Josu Currais.
Centre-back: Gustavo Lazzaretti - NorthEast United
NorthEast United has shrugged off their naïve displays from the first two seasons, with a focus on grinding out results after earning a one-goal lead.
The defence was expected to play a key part in this ploy and they have lived up to the expectations keeping three consecutive clean-sheets to start the campaign. The recent blip in form has taken a toll but they still look strong at the back.
Left-back: Prabir Das – Atletico de Kolkata
Almost all the teams have struggled with their left-backs this season and the Sourav Ganguly co-owned franchise has been no different. After being unimpressed by East Bengal captain Robert Lalthlamuana, head coach Jose Molina decided to use Das as a full-back.
The former Pailan Arrows player was one of star performers of the Calcutta Football League earlier this year playing as a right-winger for Mohun Bagan but coped well in his new role as the side strolled to the top of the table.
Defensive midfielder: Rowllin Borges – NorthEast United
The lanky midfielder has started all seven ties for the North-Eastern side and has pulled the strings from the midfield. As always, he has not contributed much going forward, but has been one of the brightest Indians in the tournament with his ability to break up opponent attacks.
The Goan lad who recently agreed a deal with East Bengal for the I-League, is the only Indian other than Mehtab Hossain and Siam Hanghal to have regularly enjoyed a central role on the pitch.
Defensive midfielder: Krisztián Vadócz – Mumbai City FC
While Mohamed Sissoko has also been very impressive for FC Pune City, Mumbai's Krisztián Vadócz made the cut due to the attacking impetus he adds. Excelling in a 4-3-3 for the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned team, the former Osasuna midfielder had gelled well with Pronay Halder and Sehnaj Singh but will have to re-calibrate with Halder being ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury.
The Hungary international also scored twice against Delhi Dynamos, proving he can also contribute in the opponent's territory.
Right-wing: Sameehg Doutie – Atletico de Kolkata
The South African winger was signed by Antonio Lopez Habas before the start of last season and has been one of the breakthrough performers for Atletico de Kolkata since his debut. After scoring thrice in the last edition, he has already netted twice this year having started in all seven games.
With Iain Hume looking slightly off-colour and Helder Postiga recovering from an injury, he continues to be a big threat down the flanks for the other teams.
Attacking midfielder: Matias Defederico – Mumbai City FC
Touted as the "New Messi" when he was young, the Argentine playmaker certainly has what it takes to be match-winner. He had a good start of the campaign in Pune when he scored the solitary goal of the contest.
Deployed wide, he has often cut in prudently to create problems for the defenders and has a brilliant partnership with marquee player Diego Forlan.
Left-wing: Marcelinho – Delhi Dynamos
Arguably the best player of the competition so far, the Brazilian has been the livewire of Gianluca Zambrotta’s side.
After a dream debut against Chennaiyin FC, where he scored twice, Marcelinho followed it up with eye-catching displays against NorthEast United, FC Goa and Mumbai City. With four goals and four assists, the 30-year old has played a role in eight of his side’s ten goals.
Striker: Emiliano Alfaro – NorthEast United
The Uruguayan striker hit the ground running and is leading the goal-scoring charts with five goals to his name.
With Nicolas Velez struggling to find his goal-scoring boots, the former Lazio striker has bore the primary responsibility upfront and netting all but one of his outfit’s goals.
Atanu Mitra has been covering Indian football for more than four years. He tweets @Atanu00.
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