Indian Player Ratings: Udanta, Chhetri star Bengaluru rout Chhenaiyin to open up gap at the top

The India skipper and the pacey winger were once again instrumental in an another classic away display from the Blues.

Here’s how the Indian players performed in the four-goal thriller.

Chennaiyin FC

Karanjit Singh- 6.0

Today’s game marked the third time in a row that the Chennai goal-keeper stormed to the bench lividly after the whistle. His defenders let him down again, as the second and third goal came off woeful defending from the Marina Machans backline. His poor distribution didn’t help things either, as he looked primitive going up against Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Jerry Lalrinzuala- 6.0

The AIFF Elite Academy product, as has often been the case this season, was excellent going forward. His eye-catching one-twos with left winger Gregory Nelson showed why Chennai’s left-back position is his own. Defensively, though, he was shocking, as he let Udanta Singh dribble past him on more than one occasion; the third goal, in particular, underscored the fact that he, an Indian international defender, is far from a finished product.

Dhanpal Ganesh- 6.0

The Tamil Nadu midfielder had an uncharacteristically mediocre outing, as he was rendered futile by the fluid Bengaluru attack. Although he resorted to wayward passes mainly, he only completed 66% of his attempted passes and was fortunate to stay on the pitch until the final whistle, considering the fact that he’d committed two red card-worthy fouls.

Anirudh Thapa- 6.0

The young central midfielder from Uttarakhand epitomized enthusiasm to no avail. Despite being given the freedom to roam and being brilliant in flashes, he remained in Raphael Augusto’s shadow. Excelling at linking defence with attack, he did, but his poor decision making made him look less effective than he could have been.

Francisco Fernandes- 7.0

Watch: Francisco Fernandes goal against Bengaluru FC

With most Chennai players, perhaps with the exception of the foreign attacking players, having a night to forget, only he – of all players – had a decent showing. His industry more than made up for his misplacing passes here and there, and he deservedly grabbed his first goal, by leaping above the Bengaluru defenders to head home the leveller.

Jeje Lalpekhlua- 6.0

Given his form heading into the south Indian derby, one expected him to deliver on the pitch, but he hardly had any major impact. Despite his link-up play being brilliant at times, he mostly looked isolated, as he received little supply from Raphael Augusto and co. Perhaps, John Gregory should have brought on Jude Nworuh or Mohammed Rafi once it was evident that he couldn’t take on the burly Bengaluru defenders single-handedly.

Germanpreet Singh- NA

With Henrique Sereno’s red card delaying his coming on, he hardly impacted the game.

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Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu- 8.0

Watch: Gurpreet Singh saves Nelson's shot against Chennaiyin FC

Making two crucial saves, the former Europa League goalkeeper essentially kept Bengaluru’s chances of securing an away win alive. Punching away Chennai’s crosses and distributing the ball superbly, he performed his role to a tee.

Harmanjot Singh Khabra- 6.0

It takes a lot to be rated just six being a player from the winning team, but his performance warranted nothing more than a six. Outpaced and outmuscled by Jerry Lalrinzuala and Gregory Nelson, the Bengaluru right-back had only an average display. His conceding corners ridiculously highlighted the fact that he’s lacking greatly in confidence.

Subhasish Bose- 7.0

Forming an excellent partnership with the Bengaluru left-winger Udanta Singh, he sometimes started attacks from the back. His defending was also on point, as he made the Chennai attackers’ attempts to break down his side’s defence futile.

Boithang Haokip- 7.0

Watch: Boithang Haokip scores his first goal for Bengaluru FC

The 26-year-old Manipur-born central midfielder did well to convert from close range what was served on the platter by skipper Sunil Chhetri. After his second-minute goal, though, he largely looked invisible, with Bengaluru’s game-plan dictating that their attackers attacked chiefly from the flanks.

Udanta Singh- 9.0

Creating five chances and registering a passing completion rate of 75%, he was easily one of the two best Indian players on the pitch. He hardly put a foot wrong, tracked back to win the ball back and bamboozled the Chennai defence who’re known for their solidity. He looked to possess all the tools required to replace our MOTM in the national team.

Sunil Chhetri- 9.0

Watch: Sunil Chhetri contributes to his side's scoring against Chennaiyin

A captain’s performance from the 33-year-old Indian international striker, it was. His link-up play was so awesome that he had a few wondering if any player in the league matches his flair. His positioning was a crucial catalyst that made Bengaluru playing attractive football and winning 3-1 possible. He also luckily – and fittingly – scored the third to take his tally to nine goals this term.

Nishu Kumar- NA

He didn’t have enough time on the pitch to impact the game.