Chhangte, Mauricio headline Khel Now's 2022-23 ISL Team of The Season

Several players made their mark on another highly entertaining season in the competition.

The 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League came to its conclusion on 18 March 2023 with ATK Mohun Bagan winning the title after beating Bengaluru FC. It was a brilliant summation of a season that had plenty of highlights from Mumbai City FC winning the ISL League Winners’ Shield to six teams heading into the playoffs for the first time ever due to a change in the format.

Plenty of newcomers in the ISL made their mark while some of the experienced players also played key roles. Be it the domestic players or the foreign ones, each individual gave his 100% on the pitch in order to help their respective team achieve their seasonal objective.  

Here is a look at Khel Now’s Team of the Season from the 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League:

Formation - 4-1-2-1-2

GK - Vishal Kaith (ATKMB)

Vishal Kaith was in a league of his own this year, winning the golden glove in the end after making 12 clean sheets, five more than second-placed Gurmeet Singh. He also made 67 saves (second highest in the league) including a penalty save in the final which enabled the Mariners to win the ISL title.

RB - Asish Rai (ATKMB)

Asish Rai was a brilliant signing for ATK Mohun Bagan. The full-back won the ISL Trophy last season with Hyderabad FC and won it again this year with the Mariners. His work rate in the right-back position was immense to the club’s success. He made 54 interceptions overall, the highest amount for any player in the 2022-23 campaign.

CB - Sandesh Jhingan (BFC)

Sandesh Jhingan was outstanding for Bengaluru FC in the season. He was significant in defence and kept attacking threats at bay with his reading of the game and bravery in clearing away the danger. He made a whopping 165 clearances in 22 appearances, a league record, and received only three yellow cards.

CB - Pritam Kotal (ATKMB)

Pritam Kotal was the leader who marshalled his troops to the ISL title with grit and determination. His performances alongside Brendan Hamill and Slavko Damjanovic were excellent. Thanks to his leadership at the back, ATKMB conceded only 19 goals across the season.

LB - Akash Mishra (HFC)

Akash Mishra maintained his performance levels throughout the season for Hyderabad FC. The Nizams had the best defensive record in the league stage after conceding only 16 goals and credit goes to Mishra and co for it. The full-back came out on top against several wingers from various teams and gave no space for the attackers.

CDM - Rohit Kumar (BFC)

Rohit Kumar became a mainstay in the heart of Bengaluru FC’s midfield. The midfielder provided cover to the defence and caused problems with his pressing without the ball. He was crucial in causing transitions and also scored three goals during the term.

RW - Lallianzuala Chhangte (MCFC)

Lallianzuala Chhangte won the golden ball award or Hero of the League award, only the second instance for an Indian player. He was immaculate for Mumbai City FC, scoring 10 goals and finishing as the highest Indian goalscorer at the end of the 2022-23 season. His attacking contributions, which stand at 16 (10 goals, six assists) were crucial in helping MCFC finish as table toppers.

LW - Noah Sadaoui (FCG)

Noah Sadaoui took the league by storm in his introductory season while playing for FC Goa. The versatile attacker scored nine goals and made nine assists for the Gaurs from 20 appearances. In fact, he finished as the top assist maker and won the Baller of the League award too.

CAM - Greg Stewart (MCFC)

Greg Stewart made headlines last season, excelling for Jamshedpur FC. He joined Mumbai City FC for the 2022-23 season and did not disappoint. The attacker got seven goals and provided eight assists in 20 outings, helping the Islanders win the ISL League Winners’ Shield. He has won the league twice in the first two seasons in the ISL.

ST - Diego Mauricio (OFC)

Diego Mauricio made history by becoming the first player from Odisha FC to win the ISL Golden Boot award. The striker scored 12 goals for his team and was a significant reason for their historic playoff qualification. He was unable to guide the team past the knockout fixture into the semi-final but his individual performance deserves a lot of praise.

ST - Dimitri Petratos (ATKMB)

Dimitri Petratos scored twice in the final, both penalties, and converted another penalty in the shootout to help the Mariners win the ISL Trophy. He scored 12 goals during the season and made a further seven assists. In terms of goal contributions, he leads the rest with 19 (12 goals and seven assists). A brilliant first season in the ISL for the striker.