Top five Indian players who impressed in Next Gen Cup

Both teams ended fourth in the competition.

The Next Gen Cup, 2022 proved to be a successful tournament for the teams from England, India, and South Africa. The reserve sides of Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters represented India and played two games each. The Indian Super League outfits ensured qualification to the competition after finishing first and second respectively, in the Reliance Foundation Development League.

The Bengaluru FC colts suffered losses of 6-3 and 6-1 against Leicester City and Nottingham Forest respectively. The young Blasters, on the other hand, slumped to 7-0 and 4-1 losses against Tottenham and Crystal Palace. Although both sides failed to reach the finals of their respective groups, the tournament was a massive learning experience for the youngsters. In this article, we will take a look at the Indians who showcased their talent against some top youngsters of the Premier League sides.

5. Namgyal Bhutia - Bengaluru FC

The Bengaluru FC reserves captain was very good in marshalling his side from the back. The right-back, who can also play in midfield, put in some daring challenges and also bombed high up the pitch to combine with wingers. The 22-year-old has already appeared in Bengaluru FC's senior squad last season. However, he is yet to be a regular.

His vision and set-piece ability were very threatening, especially against Leicester who looked shaky in the second half. The man from Sikkim recently signed a contract extension with the Blues till 2026 and his performances in the Next Gen Cup justifies the faith that the management has in the versatile player.

4. Sachin Suresh - Kerala Blasters

The Kerala Blasters reserves goalkeeper pulled off some staggering saves against Tottenham and Crystal Palace. Despite conceding many goals, Suresh denied opposition forwards on numerous occasions. The scoreline would have looked bleaker had it not been for Suresh's heroics.

3. Ayush Adhikari - Kerala Blasters

Ayush Adhikari wore the armband for the Blasters in this edition of the Next Gen Cup. The central midfielder's best moment came when he dispatched a penalty past the Palace goalkeeper to bring Kerala back into the game. Even though the match ended in a 4-1 loss for the Blasters, Adhikari's presence was felt by the opposition in midfield.

Paired with Jeakson Singh in the middle of the park, the duo were successful in breaking down a lot of attacks from the Eagles. They both have established themselves in the senior squad last season. Ahead of the long season, Ayush Adhikari's performances in the Next Gen Cup will definitely boost his confidence.

2. Dipesh Chauhan - Bengaluru FC

Dipesh Chauhan did not start in Bengaluru FC's opening game against Leicester City. After Sharon was taken off around the half hour mark, Chauhan was brought on. With his team, already losing 4-0, the young goalkeeper immediately caught the viewers' eyes with two sprawling saves.

After his heroics, the Blues were able to find their way back into the game, courtesy a brace from Sivasakthi Narayanan and a goal from Damaitphang Lyngdoh. After Leicester were awarded a penalty, Chauhan pulled off a fantastic save to deny Terell Pennant from the spot. Pennant followed through with the rebound but the goalkeeper successfully blocked the strike again. As a result of his performance, the young keeper was awarded a start in the second game against Nottingham Forest.

1. Sivasakthi Narayanan - Bengaluru FC

Sivasakthi Narayanan had already wowed audiences with his performances in the Durand Cup last season. He spearheaded Bengaluru's fightback against Leicester in their 6-3 loss.

After conceding six goals, the youngster came clutch when Bengaluru FC's high pressing allowed him to get into the box and fire it past the Foxes' keeper. He went on to score again along with his teammate Damaitphang Lyngdoh as Leicester fumbled their way in the second half. Performances like these are certain to get young Sivasakthi more playing time under new head coach Simon Grayson.