ISL 2025-26: Top ten Indian players from Matchweek 1

East Bengal FC leads the ISL league table after matchweek1

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season is finally underway after a prolonged delay, and with the opening matchweek now wrapped up, attention shifts firmly to on-field performances.

As the competition gathers momentum, early impressions have already begun to shape conversations around form and consistency.

Let us take a closer look at the top 10 Indian players from Matchweek 1 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season who made a significant impact in their respective games.

These players stood out with influential performances, whether through crucial goals, defensive solidity, creativity in midfield or overall leadership on the pitch, earning praise for their impressive start to the campaign.

Apuia- 8/10 (vs Kerala Blasters FC)

Apuia was brilliant in the middle of the park for Mohun Bagan SG. The Indian international controlled the tempo for the Mariners as they walked away with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC in their season opener.

He completed 98 passes while maintaining an accuracy of 93%. The 25-year-old made eleven ball recoveries while winning 8/9 ground duels.

Anirudh Thapa- 7/10 (vs Kerala Blasters FC)

Anirudh Thapa was also among the best Indian players in Matchweek one. Thapa showcased his reliability and creativity in midfield for the Mariners and inspired them to a thumping win at home.

He completed 87% of his passes, including two key passes and also set up Tom Aldred for Bagan’s second goal.

Nikhil Poojary- 8/10 (vs Sporting Club Delhi)

Nikhil Poojary came up with a blockbuster performance for Bengaluru FC in front of their home fans. Poojary stood strong in the right back position and contributed on both ends of the pitch.

His overlapping runs combined with his pinpoint defensive contributions helped the Blues come out on top. He created the opening goal and helped Sivasakthi Narayan to find the back of the net.

Sivasakthi Narayan- 7.5/10 (vs Sporting Club Delhi)

Sivasakthi Narayan showed no mercy to the opposition defenders and goalkeeper and opened his goalscoring account for the 2025-26 season.

Siva used his pace and trickery to control the tempo of the game up front and scored the opening goal for the Blues in the process.

Although he scored a goal, he needs to work on various factors of his game like ball distribution and link up play.

Bipin Singh- 7/10 (vs NorthEast United FC)

Bipin Singh experienced a debut to remember for East Bengal. The left winger troubled NorthEast United’s backline with perfection and kept them on their toes throughout the game.

He was on to something every time he had the ball and registered an assist in the process. Singh executed three key passes and created one big chance for the Red and Gold brigade.

Mohammad Nawaz- 7/10 (vs Mumbai City FC)

Although Chennaiyin FC returned home without savaging a single point, Mohammad Nawaz can be proud of his performances. He couldn’t manage a clean sheet, but it was undoubtedly one of the best performances that the keeper has recorded in the Indian topflight.

Nawaz made three saves, including two saves from inside the box and also made four clearances at the back.

Sunil Chhetri- 7/10 (vs Sporting Club Delhi)

Seasons come and go, but Sunil Chhetri stays the same. Chhetri gave the world a glimpse of how match fit he is during Bengaluru FC’s curtain raiser against Sporting Club Delhi.

It took just 14 minutes for the former Indian skipper to come off the bench and score a goal to secure a comfortable win for his side.

He is indeed aging like a fine wine. 

Tekcham Abhishek Singh- 7/10 (vs Kerala Blasters FC)

Mohun Bagan SG’s latest recruit delivered a notable debut performance. It was a disciplined and well worked defensive show by Tekcham Abhishek Singh.

The right back made five clearances along with two tackles and interceptions each. He made 11 ball recoveries while completing 85% of his passes. 

Valpuia- 7/10 (vs Chennaiyin FC)

The young Indian defender delivered a performance worthy of a mention. Valpuia has honed his skills before coming into action and the changes are visible.

It was a very mature and calm performance from the 25-year-old as he recorded six clearances, two blocks, interceptions and tackles each. He won three ground and aerial duels each.

Prasanth Karuthadathkuni- 7/10 (vs FC Goa)

Prasanth Karuthadathkuni has established himself as one of the starters for Inter Kashi and gave a good account of himself in the season opener.

Prasanth broke the deadlock against FC Goa by scoring Inter Kashi’s debut ISL goal. He was a livewire on the right flank and kept the Goan defenders in check with his pace and energy.

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