ISL 2024-25: Top five Indian players from Matchweek 2

These individuals performed brilliantly in the second game week of the ISL 2023-24.

The second week of the Indian Super League (ISL) season 11 continued the trend of Indian players taking center stage. Several players delivered standout performances, helping their teams in crucial moments.

In the first game week, Bengaluru FC decimated the look Hyderabad FC side 3-0. Meanwhile, Punjab FC shocked Odisha FC in a fixture in Delhi whereas Mumbai faced the same fate against Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC.

Mohammedan SC earned their first point in the ISL after FC Goa struck an equalizer in the dying moments of the game. Mikael Stahre’s Kerala Blasters registered their first win in the campaign against struggling Carles Cuadrat’s East Bengal. The Red and Gold have registered their fourth consecutive losses in different competitions and the sword is hanging on Carles Cuadrat’s future. 

Mohun Bagan got the three points against Durand Cup winners in a controversial fashion where NorthEast United FC’s goalkeeper was visibly injured after Bose slid past him which resulted in a goal and injured Gurmeet. That was the moment when the game took a massive turn and the quality of Mohun Bagan players were too overwhelming for Juan Pedro Benali’s side.

In this article, we highlight the top five Indian players of Gameweek 2, whose contributions were pivotal for their sides.

5) Dippendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan)

The 21-year-old Dippendu Biswas, making his second successive start for Mohun Bagan, proved to be a key figure in their match against NorthEast United FC. Head coach Jose Molina tweaked the team’s formation for this game, and Biswas thrived in his role, both offensively and defensively. The young defender scored his debut goal just 10 minutes into the game, setting the tone for the Mariners. 

The youngster was equally impressive on the defensive end, winning three out of four tackles and contributing with one interception, five recoveries, one block, and four clearances. Despite a barrage of attacks from NorthEast United FC, Biswas stood firm, displaying maturity beyond his years. His strong two-way performance earns him a spot on this list.

4) Mohammed Uvais (Jamshedpur FC)

Mohammed Uvais was rock-solid as a left-back for Jamshedpur FC, delivering a composed and intelligent performance. After conceding an early goal, Uvais recovered well and played a key role in orchestrating his team’s tactical setup. He combined well with Len Doungel on the left flank, forming a formidable 2-v-1 situation against Mumbai’s defense, which eventually led to the third goal for Jamshedpur. 

While his crosses didn’t find their mark on the day, his positioning and movement kept Mumbai City under pressure throughout the match. Uvais’ ability to both defend solidly and contribute to the attack made him one of the best Indian performers in Gameweek 2.

ALSO READ: Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC Player Ratings: Imran, Uvais shine as Sahil, Mehtab disappoint | ISL 2024-25

3) Leon Augustine (Punjab FC)

Leon Augustine returned to goal-scoring form in style, scoring a goal in the ISL after a two-season gap. Despite only being introduced as a substitute in both games for Punjab FC so far, the winger made an instant impact against Odisha FC. His pace and precision were on full display as he exploited the right-hand side of Odisha’s defense, creating chances and finally netting a goal with a composed finish. 

Augustine’s ability to stretch the opposition’s defense proved crucial in breaking down Odisha FC’s structure, and his energy off the bench could be a game-changer for Punjab FC this season.

2) Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

Imran Khan delivered a stellar performance for Jamshedpur FC in Gameweek 2, particularly shining as the game opened up. Playing as a winger, Khan used his pace and technical ability to consistently trouble Odisha FC’s Sahil Panwar on the right flank. Jamshedpur FC capitalized on Sahil’s inexperience as the Manipuri winger provided a series of dangerous crosses into the box

He created three clear-cut aerial chances, one of which was converted by Jordan Murray. Imran’s intelligent wing play and precise delivery made him a constant threat to Odisha’s defense and highlighted his importance to Jamshedpur’s tactical setup.

ALSO READ: Mohun Bagan vs NorthEast United FC Player Ratings: Dippendu and Subhasish impress, Gurmeet and Muthu disappoint | ISL 2024-25

1) Nihal Sudeesh (Punjab FC)

Nihal Sudeesh takes the top spot as the Indian player of the week. The former Kerala Blasters winger delivered a spectacular performance for Punjab FC, scoring a sublime goal that showcased his technical ability and attacking flair. Playing on the wing, Nihal combined with midfielder Filip Mrzljak in a quick 1-2 before curling a beautiful shot into the net from a tight angle, a goal that exemplified his quality as a winger. 

He could have had a second goal if not for a handball by Odisha FC defender Amey Ranawade that stopped the ball from crossing the line. Nihal’s performance was dynamic, and he consistently stretched the opposition’s defense with his movement and creativity.

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