Chennaiyin FC's five best Indian players of all time

Mizoram-based players have found a lot of success with Chennaiyin FC

Two-time Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC have been blessed with quite a few big Indian internationals who have played for the club. Many of these names have gone on to represent the Indian football team as well.

While it was not easy to shortlist five candidates, here is a list of the greatest Indian players who have donned the Marina Machans jersey.

5) Lallianzuala Chhangte

One of the biggest names in Indian football today, Lallianzuala Chhangte had become an important part of Chennaiyin FC during his short stint at the club. The Mizo-Flash joined the club ahead of the 2019-20 season and scored 7 ISL goals as his side finished as the runners-up under Owen Coyle that season.

Chhangte spent two and a half years at Chennaiyin FC, scoring 12 goals for the club and showing a lot of promise. However, the winger eventually moved to Mumbai City in the 2022 January transfer window and has now become the captain for the Islanders

Lallianzuala Chhangte’s stats with Chennaiyin FC

Games played: 53Goals Scored: 12Assists Provided: 4

4) Karanjit Singh

Karanjit Singh joined Chennaiyin FC ahead of the 2015 ISL season. The Punjab-based goalkeeper didn’t play much in his first season and was second fiddle for Apoula Edel as the Marina Machans went on a dream-winning run to bring their first ISL trophy home.

Following Edel’s departure, Karanjith became an important figure in the Chennaiyin FC setup. His best came in the 2017-18 ISL season as he kept 7 clean sheets in 20 games, helping his side win the league. The goalkeeper ended his journey with CFC in 2021, moving to the Kerala Blasters.

Karanjit Singh’s stats with Chennaiyin FC

Games played: 63Saves Made: 82Clean sheets: 21

3) Jerry Lalrinzuala

The left-back made his debut for CFC in the 2016 ISL season and became an instant hit. Jerry went on to represent the club in 103 games and was also awarded the ISL Emerging Player of the Season award in his debut season for Chennaiyin FC.

The Aizawl-based defender played an important part in the Marina Machans’ ISL 2017-18 winning campaign, playing 19 of the possible 20 games. Jerry was part of Chennaiyin FC for six seasons before eventually moving to East Bengal in 2022. The defender currently plays for Odisha FC and has become one of the veterans in the ISL at just 26 years of age.

Jerry Lalrinzuala’s stats with Chennaiyin FC

Games played: 103Goals Scored: 1Assists Provided: 7

2) Anirudh Thapa

Chennai’s Boy Wonder, as he is widely regarded, holds the record for playing the most games in Chennaiyin FC history. To sweeten the deal further, Anirudh Thapa also holds the pedigree of becoming the youngest captain for the Southern club.

As a teenager, Thapa made his CFC debut in 2016, in a thrilling 5-4 loss to FC Goa. The midfielder became a regular starter by 2019 and was eventually awarded the captain’s armband before the 2021-22 ISL season. Anirudh Thapa left Chennaiyin FC to join Mohun Bagan in 2023, ending a seven-year association with the club.

Anirudh Thapa’s stats with Chennaiyin FC

Games played: 125Goals Scored: 12Assists Provided: 17

1) Jeje Lalpheklua

The current top scorer in Chennaiyin FC’s history, Jeje Lalpheklua, is arguably the greatest Indian player to put on the club’s jersey. Having been a part of CFC since their inaugural season in 2014, the Mizo Sniper went on to win two ISL titles with the Marina Machans. He also won the ISL Emerging Player of the Season award in 2015.

Jeje’s peak came in the 2017-18 season under John Gregory, when he scored 9 goals in CFC’s ISL winning campaign. A knee injury made the striker miss the entirety of the 2019-20 season with Chennaiyin FC before eventually moving to East Bengal and announcing his retirement from the game.

Jeje Lalpheklua’s stats with Chennaiyin FC

Games played: 77Goals Scored: 25Assists Provided: 7

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