ISL: Sunil Chhetri’s performance in Indian Super League over the years

Sunil Chhetri’s prime came in the 2017-18 season when he won the ISL Golden Ball with Bengaluru FC.

Indian football has seen quite a few big names over the years however none have surpassed the aura of Sunil Chhetri. India’s greatest-ever goalscorer is also the highest scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Having played in ten out of the eleven ISL seasons, Chhetri has ended up as the highest Indian goalscorer on five occasions and he is currently leading the race among the Indian players once again. The Bengaluru FC skipper also has three ISL hattricks to his name.

With 72 league goals to his name until now, Here’s a breakdown of how Chhetri has performed in the ISL over the years…

ISL 2015 (7 goals)

After missing the 2014 ISL season due to his commitment with Bengaluru FC, Sunil Chhetri was part of a mini-auction in 2015 and was picked up with Mumbai City FC. The former Indian captain scored 7 goals in 11 games that season but the Islanders failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Chhetri also became the first Indian to score an ISL hat trick in that season, scoring three goals against NorthEast United.

ISL 2016 (0 goals)

After helping Bengaluru FC reach the final of the AFC Cup, Chhetri joined Mumbai City to play in the 2016 ISL season. While the Islanders topped the league and made it to the semifinals, the former Indian international had a forgettable season on personal terms as he failed to score a single goal in 6 ISL games.

ISL 2017-18 (14 goals)

With Bengaluru FC joining the ISL, Sunil Chhetri played for the Blues in the 2017-18 ISL season, leading them all the way to the finals. Chhetri won the ISL golden ball scoring 14 goals and providing 2 assists in 21 ISL games.

Eventually, though, BFC suffered heartbreak in the final losing 3-2 to arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

ISL 2018-19 (9 goals)

Gunning for revenge, a rejuvenated Bengaluru FC side won the ISL by beating FC Goa in the final in the 2018-19 season. Sunil Chhetri was once again the standout performer for his club, scoring 9 goals and providing 3 assists in 19 league games.

To date, this is the only ISL title that Sunil Chhetri has won in his career.

ISL 2019-20 (9 goals)

Leading the line for the defending champions, Sunil Chhetri once again proved his worth by scoring 9 goals in 17 ISL games in the 2019-20 season. Bengaluru FC made it to the semifinals after finishing third in the standings. However, they lost to ATK FC in the knockout tie and couldn’t play a third final in a row.

ISL 2020-21 (8 goals)

Bengaluru FC had an underwhelming season finishing 7th in the 2020-21 ISL table. The Blues won just five games, and Chhetri was once again their top scorer. BFC’s Captain-Leader-Legend scored 8 goals and gave 2 assists in 20 league games.

ISL 2021-22 (4 goals)

The 2021-22 ISL season was the worst for Sunil Chettri in the Blue of Bengaluru. The forward managed to score just 4 goals and provided 2 assists in 20 league games. BFC failed to qualify for the playoff once again, finishing sixth in the standings.

ISL 2022-23 (5 goals)

After two underwhelming seasons, Bengaluru FC reached the final in the 2022-23 ISL season, eventually losing to ATK Mohun Bagan on penalties. Sunil Chhetri scored 5 goals and arguably his most famous ISL goal that season was the controversial freekick that he converted against the Kerala Blasters.

ISL 2023-24 (5 goals)

The 2023-24 ISL season saw Chhetri bagging 5 goals and 3 assists in 20 league games as the forward even got benched in a few games. Bengaluru FC had their worst season in their ISL journey so far, finishing 10th in the standings with just 22 points in 22 games.

ISL 2024-25 (11 goals and counting)

It looked like Sunil Chhetri was past his prime, however, the Indian legend has turned back the clock. Rejuvenated at the age of 40, the BFC skipper has already scored 11 goals in 17 ISL games.

With the Blues enjoying a good season, and challenging for the ISL Shield, can Chhetri break his record of 14 ISL goals in a season with at least seven more league games to go? Let us know your thoughts…

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