Inter Kashi FC vs Kerala Blasters FC Player Ratings: Vibin, Korou star for Kerala in ISL 2026-27

Kerala Blasters FC started the ISL 2026-27 season with a 2-0 win over Inter Kashi FC at the Balewadi Stadium

Inter Kashi FC and Kerala Blasters FC locked horns in an early kick-off on Sunday as Indian Super League (ISL 2026-27) action returned to Pune after seven years.

Two relatively undercooked sides took the field at the Balewadi Stadium. Ashley Westwood’s Kerala Blasters had trained for about a week before their ISL 2026-27 opener, while Inter Kashi had managed just two sessions.

Kerala looked threatening from the outset and took an early lead through a well-constructed move. Inter Kashi would point to a possible foul in the build-up, but the visitors worked the ball neatly from one flank to the other. Korou reached the byline and delivered a precise cutback for an unmarked Vibin (18’) to slot home from close range.

As the half progressed, Inter Kashi grew into the contest, creating chances through the combination of captain Sumit Passi and forward Manvir Singh.

The hosts upped the ante after the break and created several scoring opportunities, but could not find the equaliser. Spurred on by their travelling supporters, who made up the majority of the 3,500 spectators at Balewadi Stadium, Kerala Blasters FC continued to chase a second goal and eventually found it in stoppage time.

Sanan’s through ball sent Andre Green (90+3) clear following a defensive lapse, and the forward sealed all three points for the visitors.

Here’s how both sets of players performed in this game, along with our ratings on a scale of 1–10.

Inter Kashi Player Ratings by Amol Gokhale

Albino Gomes (6.5/10)

Albino Gomes could prove to be one of Inter Kashi’s most important signings this season. He could do little about either goal and made an important early save, standing tall at his near post. As the hosts settled into the game, Gomes remained composed in his box and dealt confidently with the balls that came his way.

Aritra Das (5/10)

Aritra endured a difficult first half against Korou and struggled to contain the India U-23 international. He shared responsibility for allowing the winger to reach the byline and deliver the cutback for Kerala’s opener. Offered little going forward and was replaced shortly after the hour mark.

Nishchal Chandan (6/10)

Chandan put his head in a dangerous position to block a Kerala effort late in the game, but subsequently lost the duel with Momo Yansan in the build-up to the second goal. Such is the nature of the game: his costly mistake will draw more attention than the brave intervention that preceded it.

Pratik Chowdhary (5/10)

Chowdhary had largely kept Kerala at bay until the 93rd minute, when he failed to intercept Sanan’s through ball for the second goal. He went down with a cramp immediately afterwards, suggesting fatigue may have contributed in the costly lapse.

Laldinliana Renthlei (6/10)

Laldinliana began tentatively but settled as the game progressed. Like his fellow full-back, he offered little going forward, although he grew more assured defensively. He was replaced in the 66th minute as Carlos Vaz Pinto reshuffled his side.

Wayne Vaz (6/10)

Tasked with sitting at the base of Inter Kashi’s three-man midfield, Wayne did a steady job. His contribution was understated, providing cover for the defence as the midfielders ahead of him pushed forward.

Jitendra Singh (7/10)

Jitendra looked promising in an advanced midfield role, finding useful pockets of space between Kerala’s lines. He contributed to Inter Kashi’s attacking play and tested the goalkeeper with a long-range effort.

Hitesh Sharma (7.5/10)

Pinto described Hitesh as a ‘9.5’, neither an out-and-out striker nor a conventional No. 10. His movement between the opposition’s lines showed why. With his energy, intelligent positioning and clever link-up play, Hitesh offered plenty of encouragement for the season ahead.

Rosenberg Gabriel (7/10)

Rosenberg enjoyed a lively outing on Inter Kashi’s left flank, making darting runs behind Kerala’s backline. His movement gave the hosts an attacking outlet, and he looked capable of producing the moment that could bring them level.

Sumit Passi (7.5/10)

The Inter Kashi captain led by example. Starting wide on the right, Passi linked up well with Manvir Singh before moving to right-back following Pinto’s substitutions. His willingness to adapt, coupled with his attacking contribution, made him one of the hosts’ standout performers.

Manvir Singh (7/10)

Manvir led the line with purpose, holding up the ball well and making well-timed runs. His combination play with Passi helped Inter Kashi grow into the contest, and he worked tirelessly until being replaced in the 66th minute.

Substitutes

Ayush Chhikara (6/10)

Replaced Manvir in the 66th minute and almost scored within four minutes of coming on. Brought fresh energy to Inter Kashi’s attack as the hosts pressed for an equaliser.

Thoi Singh (5/10)

Pinto praised the former NorthEast United FC winger for adapting to a role away from his preferred wide position. Thoi showed glimpses of his ability to create openings in the closing stages, although those promising moments did not translate into a decisive contribution.

Sajed Parray (5/10)

Came on for Laldinliana in the second half and looked willing to get up and down the flank. Added some solidity to the backline while offering fresh legs as Inter Kashi pushed forward.

Sreekuttan VS (5/10)

Replaced Rosenberg in the closing stages but had limited time to influence proceedings. Could not make a telling contribution as Inter Kashi searched for an equaliser.

Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh (5/10)

Another late introduction who had little opportunity to get involved or influence the contest.

Kerala Blasters Player Ratings (By Jeremy)

Arsh Shaikh (7/10)

Had very little to do in the first half, but he commanded the box well whenever Inter Kashi looked threatening. In the second half as well, make crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay.

Sumit Sharma (7/10)

He was beaten by crosses and by players running past him too often, which looks like first-game tension. He recovered to cover his opponents well and finished with a decent game.

Aiban Dohling (7/10)

A solid, unfussy performance built on tackles, blocks and interceptions that kept Kashi’s runners in check.

James Bolton (8/10)

He read the game ahead of the ball, organised the defensive unit, and still contributed going forward and in build-up. He did the most work in both directions.

RV Hormipam (6/10)

The weak link of the back line. Players got past him too easily, and the Blasters’ left flank was the vulnerable one all night.

Freddy Lallawmawma (7.5/10)

The unshowy leader of the midfield. He positioned himself well and made forward runs at the right moments, and he held the middle together while Kashi tried to overload it.

Nebojsa Kosovic (6/10)

He was expected to build play from the back and didn’t. His involvement was limited, and the team lacked a controlling presence from deep.

Vibin Mohanan (8/10)

Captain, opening scorer, and half of the right-sided partnership that gave the team its only reliable attacking pattern in the first half. He led by producing.

Korou (7.5/10)

The creative end of that partnership and the assist for the opener. He was one of the few Blasters players who looked at ease from the first whistle.

Andre Green (6/10)

Perhaps, the most disappointing player on the pitch today for Blasters. He scored the winner, which earns the number. But he failed to beat a single defender who stood in front of him, shot when a pass was on, and made poor choices when better ones were available. The finish rescued an otherwise wasteful display.

Sreekuttan MS (6.5/10)

Smart without the ball, but he fumbles the moment it arrives at his feet. His decision-making needs work.

Substitutes

Mohammed Sanan (7.5/10)

Had good moments and was rewarded with the assist for Green’s winner. The most decisive substitution of the night.

Momo Yansane (7/10)

No goal, but he showed how dangerous he can be when his creative teammates find him. His presence and his physicality can make him one of the best for the Blasters in the coming games.

Paul (6.5/10)

Quick on the move and had a shot. A decent cameo.

Ebindas (7/10) 

A few good moments, creating chances and a decent outing.

Sandeep Singh (7/10)

Came on late and blocked a Kashi scoring chance, which mattered in a closing spell that turned frantic.