ISL 2025-26: Inter Kashi sign Rohit Danu and Narender Gahlot on deadline day

Both Rohit Danu and Narender Gahlot join Inter Kashi on free transfers.

Inter Kashi remains busy in the 2026 winter transfer window, trying to add numerous Indian and international players to boost their roster ahead of their maiden season in the Indian Super League. Rohit Danu from Bengaluru FC and Narender Gahlot from Odisha FC are the latest signings as Antonio Lopez Habas’ looks to boost the quality of his squad.

When a team transitions from the I-League to the Indian Super League, it is critical for the head coach to put together a roster with much-needed variety, players eager to prove themselves, and ISL experience. That’s what Rohit Danu and Narender Gahlot brings exactly to the table with their ISL experience, attacking prowess and versatility.

Rohit Danu mutually parts ways with Bengaluru FC to join Inter Kashi FC

The 23-year-old former Indian Arrows player spent the last two campaigns at Bengaluru FC. However, due to limited playing time, the talented Indian winger has chosen to go on and seek other options. As a consequence, Rohit Danu has mutually terminated his contract with Bengaluru FC and has successfully agreed on a transfer to Inter Kashi FC on a deal that runs until the end of the season.

Rohit Danu began his career at the AIFF Elite Academy and was set to be the youngest member of India’s U-17 side in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was hosted in India. Unfortunately, owing to an ankle injury, he was unable to make the final roster. He then continued his career development with Indian Arrows, the I-League team aimed at offering opportunities to young Indian players.

Later in 2020, he joined Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League. Rohit’s career progressed under Manolo Marquez, with the 2021-22 season regarded as his breakout season, as he had several first-team appearances. He left the Nizams to join Bengaluru FC when Manolo quit Hyderabad FC. However, his career has stagnated at Bengaluru since he was often put on the bench and was not given enough opportunity to really prove himself. He departed and joined Inter Kashi as a result.

Read more: Inter Kashi rope in Lithuanian National Team striker Nauris Petkevičius

Narender Gahlot also joins Inter Kashi

Inter Kashi have not only strengthened their attack with Rohit Danu, but also their defense with the signing of former ISL Shield winner Narender Gahlot. The former Jamshedpur FC defender joined Odisha FC on a free transfer after his contract with the Juggernauts expired at the end of the previous season.

Gahlot began his career with the Chandigarh Football Academy and then later was signed by Indian Arrows to fast track the career growth of the talented young defender. He later moved to Jamshedpur FC where he won the ISL Shield under Owen Coyle. He then moved to Odisha FC but struggled to get minutes in the last two seasons following the appointment of Sergio Lobera.

Earlier this summer, there were several speculations linking good Indian defender to Mumbai City FC. However, the Islanders moved on to sign Amandeep Singh and Bijay Chhetri, abandoning their interest in Narender Gahlot. Being a free agent for a mere eight to nine months, Inter Kashi have grabbed the chance to jump ahead of others and capture his signing.

With Bijoy departing for Punjab FC and Narayan Das and Sarthak Golui also departing, Inter Kashi required defensive reinforcements. Because of his adaptability, he can play any position across the backline and will be crucial to Kashee’s first year in the Indian Super League.

Gahlot, who is only 25 years old, has extensive ISL experience and will try to establish himself as one of the first names on Antonio Lopez Habas’ team sheet. His defensive performances alongside David Humanes will be crucial to Inter Kashi’s success in the 2025/26 season.

Big shoes to fill for Rohit Danu at Inter Kashi

While Antonio Lopez Habas is a master at getting the best out of Indian wingers and forwards, as he demonstrated at Mohun Bagan and ATK with Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, and Soosairaj, Rohit Danu will have to hit the ground running from the very beginning as he replaces Edmund Lalrindika, who has left the club to join East Bengal FC.

Edmund contributed about 25 goals for Kashi and was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the ISL and success over the previous two seasons. While Rohit Danu’s skill and abilities are evident to everyone, it needs to be seen if he can translate these into consistent end results. With these signings, Inter Kashi’s business is done in this transfer window.

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