Top five moments from Roy Krishna’s career in India

The Fiji international has parted ways with Bengaluru FC.

Since his arrival into the Indian Super League back in 2019, Roy Krishna has been a true big name, who is ranked amongst the best players to have played in the ISL. 

From a remarkable debut season in the ISL, to his most recent heroics with Bengaluru FC in the 2022-23 season, Roy Krishna’s journey in India has been nothing short of a magical ride.

But with Benagluru’s recent announcement of the player’s departure, Roy Krishna now looks unlikely to continue playing here in India.

As an ISL legend departs from Indian club football, we have compiled a list of the top five most memorable moments, from Roy Krishna’s stay in India.

87th minute winner against Kerala

In the 2020-21 season, ATK Mohun Bagan were in quite some form, and were aiming to secure a playoff spot, when they hosted Kerala Blasters in matchday 16 of the ISL. The game began with an absolute worldie by Gary Hooper in the 14th minute of the game, giving Kerala the lead. 

The Blasters doubled their advantage at the onset of the second half, as Costa Nhamoinesu scrambled the ball past the net.

ATKMB were in a dire state, and needed a comeback. Marcelinho scored one for the Mariners, and from there on it was a Roy Krishna masterclass. The Fijian first converted from the spot, and then in the dying stages of the game, he weaselled past Jeakson Singh, and excellently struck the ball with his weaker left foot, to give his side a 3-2 win.

121st minute winner in Quarter Final

In what was only his fourth game with the Blues, Roy Krishna delivered one of his most clutch moments here in India. The Durand Cup quarter-final between Bengaluru and Odisha ended in a stalemate after the first 90 minutes. 

Seven minutes into extra time, Bengaluru took the lead, but were soon dismayed by an equaliser by Odisha. The game seemed to have been over, and a shootout seemed imminent. But what happened next was truly magical. Roy Krishna got the ball at his feet in the 121st minute, just a few yards away from the penalty box. He took a slight glance, and struck the ball to absolute perfection, to claim an incredible late winner, and glide his team into the semi-finals of the Durand Cup.

First ISL hat-trick

In his first ISL season with ATK, Roy Krishna was in absolute red hot form, as he established a name for himself all across the nation. Krishna had scored a number of braces, but was yet to get his first hat-trick. This longing was however fulfilled in matchday 16 of the ISL, when ATK faced Odisha.

Roy Krishna emerged on the scoresheet thrice, as he slotted home two excellent volleys, and an audacious chip, to bag his first ever ISL match ball.

Durand Cup win with Bengaluru FC

Roy Krishna’s Durand Cup victory with Bengaluru, was unequivocally one of the most memorable moments for the Fijian here in India. Krishna won his first ever competition with Bengaluru, and got a perfect start to his journey with the Blues.

Krishna also had three goals to his name in the competition, including the incredible late winner against Odisha. Other than that, the player also scored the winner against Jamshedpur in the group stages, to earn three valuable points for his team.

ISL winners in 2019-20

Roy Krishna’s journey in India was magical, and easily one of the greatest scripts written in the league’s history. A beautiful period of four years, that had a number of bittersweet moments, that at times led to joy and exhilaration, and otherwise to pain and sorrow. 

But out of all these memories, if there would be a single moment which Krishna would hold closest to his heart, it would be his ISL triumph back in 2019-20.

The season was undoubtedly Krishna’s best stint in India, and to be able to top it off with some silverware, was a true icing on the cake for the Fijian.

The player scored a total of 15 goals, and had six assists from 21 games, and also played a pivotal role for his team in the playoffs.