ISL 2025-26: Inter Kashi FC predicted lineup for upcoming season

Inter Kashi will play their first-ever season in the Indian Super League.

Inter Kashi is all but ready for its first season in the Indian Super League after winning the 2024/25 I-League. While the excitement had to wait nearly eight months due to the uncertainty, the league is officially back and Inter Kashi will be ready to play in their debut ISL season.

Kashi’s management has been quite busy in the transfer window ahead of the upcoming season, adding 12 players and changing nearly half of the group that won the I-League last season. The additions include four foreigners and eight domestic players, with the majority of them having previous ISL experience. Additionally, they have lost a few important players, including Joni Kauko, Sarthak Golui, Bijoy, and Edmund.

While the retained players and new arrivals create a strong core, the most essential and influential part of the Inter Kashi squad will be head coach Antonio Lopez Habas. Habas, an expert in Indian football, has won several accolades for his accomplishments at different ISL clubs. He even shown that he can win the I-League after his victory last year. For a team achieving promotion and entering a higher division, Habas’ expertise at this level will be the X-factor.

Although Habas is commonly recognized for his back three formations while coaching at various ISL clubs, he has employed a 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-3 during his tenure at Inter Kashi. Given the scarcity of choices at center back, he is anticipated to stick with a similar formation in the coming season. Let’s examine how Habas integrates his new acquisitions and sets up his Inter Kashi team.

Also Read: ISL 2025-26: Inter Kashi complete squad for upcoming season

Inter Kashi Predicted 11 (Formation: 4-3-3)

Goalkeeper – Lluis Tarres

Inter Kashi FC will undoubtedly utilize one of their four foreign spots in goalkeeping department because they lack an experienced Indian goalie after Arindam’s retirement. The 24-year-old former Barcelona youth player has extensive experience playing in Spain’s lower leagues. While it is extremely unusual that ISL teams will deploy international goalkeepers, Habas would be compelled to do so due to a lack of strong domestic options.

Left Back – Nishu Kumar

Former Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC, and Kerala Blasters left defender Nishu Kumar is one of eight Indian players who have joined the team before the 2025-26 campaign begins. The 28-year-old versatile fullback has made almost 115 appearances during his career in ISL. Nishu is decent defensively, but he is also fantastic offensively and might be a vital player for Inter Kashi starting ahead of Sandip Mandi at left back.

Centre Back – David Humanes

David Humanes is one of the two foreign players who Inter Kashi kept from their successful I-League campaign the previous season. The Spanish center defender played practically every game last season, and the team allowed only 15 goals in the 16 games he started, including six clean sheets. He spent a short time at sister club Inter Club d’Escaldes at the start of the season before returning for the Super Cup.

Centre Back – Narender Gahlot

Alongside David Humanes, Narender Gahlot will be the Indian defender at the back. The 25-year-old center-back joined the team on free transfer from Odisha FC during the winter transfer window. Due to the losses of Sarthak Golui and Bijoy, who played important roles last year, he is anticipated to go right into the starting lineup.

Right Back – Prabir Das

Habas will reunite with one of his former soldiers, Prabir Das, with Inter Kashi FC. The player and coach have had a particular relationship since working together at ATK FC and ATK Mohun Bagan (formerly Mohun Bagan SG). Prabir is not just a versatile and dependable fullback, but he is also an excellent team player, which will be crucial to maintaining team spirit.

Centre Defensive Midfield – Sergio Llamas

The Spanish midfielder will be the most significant and crucial member of Inter Kashi’s roster for the next season. He will be replacing Nikola Stojanovic and Joni Kauko in the midfield, both of whom departed the club last summer. He will be responsible for integrating his defense and midfield while also retaining the ball in the middle of the park. Can he play Habas’ Carl McHugh at ATK Mohun Bagan role? If so, Kashi might have an amazing season.

Centre Midfield – Sumeet Passi

Sumeet Passi, the squad’s captain, will be among the first names on Antonio Lopez Habas’ team sheet. Despite being extensively mocked by Indian football fans during Constantine’s time, Sumeet has established himself as a significant player for Inter Kashi. The 31-year-old’s strength and commitment in the center of the pitch will make Habas pick him over the other options.

Centre Midfield – Jayesh Rane

Jayesh Rane, another of Habas’ trusted players, has joined with Inter Kashi FC for the forthcoming ISL season. Together, the coach and player won the 2019-20 ISL season with ATK FC. Following that, Jayesh played for a number of ISL teams before rejoining Habas to play for Inter Kashi. Habas would hope Jayesh will establish himself in the middle of the park to create multiple chances for his teammates.

Left Wing – Rohit Danu

The most crucial and significant responsibility for Antonio Lopez Habas would be to replace Edmund’s slot. The Indian attacker was the most crucial player for Kashi’s success over the previous two years, contributing over 25 goals before joining East Bengal this summer. Although Rohit Danu has shown promise and made appearances off the bench, will he be able to establish himself as a starter and prove himself? If so, who better than Habas to get the best out of him.

Right Wing – Prasanth K

Because of his injuries, Prasanth missed much of the previous season, but the club had great trust in him to stay for the upcoming one. The former Kerala Blasters winger played briefly for Calicut FC in the SLK during the first part of the season. Prasanth, a conventional winger, is well-known for his up-and-down energy on the wings, which Habas would admire. His ISL expertise and pace would be constant threat to opposing defenders.

Centre Forward – Nauris Petkevičius

Ian Hume, Roy Krishna, David Williams, and several others… Any Antonio Lopez Habas side would be incomplete without its strikers.The ability to run the channel, drop down to hold the ball and run on the counter is a must for any striker in Habas’s system and that is exactly what Petkevičius brings to the table. Even with Mario Barco on the team, the Lithuanian might get the edge. 

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