ISL 2026–27: Top 10 youngsters to watch out for

ISL is set to start on 10th October 2026. As the 2026–27 Indian Super League(ISL) season begins on October 10th, the attention will naturally focus on established stars and new signings. However, the development of young Indian footballers could be equally important. For some, this season offers an opportunity to secure regular first-team minutes; for others, it could mark the beginning of a promising senior career. The real measure of progress will not simply be goals or highlight-reel moments. It will be the ability to earn a coach’s trust, adapt to senior football and improve consistently throughout the campaign. For Indian football, developing young domestic talent remains essential. The 2026–27 ISL season could provide these players with a valuable platform to grow, but regular minutes, effective coaching and consistent performances will ultimately determine how far they progress. The potential is there; now comes the challenge of proving it on the pitch. Here are 10 young Indian players worth watching this season who can be massive additions to Indian Football fraternity. The MG Indian Super League – run by people who love the game, and now opening to those it belongs to. The shutters are all going up. Indian football, #WeAreOpen. Watch #MGISL13, starts October 10 live on @YouTubeIndia, @SonySportsNetwk and @SonyLIV. 📺 pic.twitter.com/O7AZSRkfAS— MG Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 3, 2026 10. Aashir Salim – Odisha FC Aashir’s listed ability to play in central midfield, defensive midfield and right-back makes him an interesting prospect for T G Purushothaman’s side. If he can perform effectively across these positions, his versatility could play a key role in his opportunities, as Odisha wants to make a strong statement this ISL season. The key will be developing tactical discipline, reliable passing and defensive awareness while identifying his strongest role. 9. Subham Bhattacharya – Odisha FC Subham’s ability to cover centre-back and right-back makes him a useful defensive option for the team from Odisha. However, his versatility must be supported by strong positioning, one-versus-one defending and composure on the ball, which the league demands in important games. Establishing a consistent role and gaining senior experience will be essential to his development at Odisha FC in the ISL. 8. Omang Dodum – Punjab FC Omang is a striker to watch as he attempts to translate his youth-level promise into senior football. Movement inside the penalty area, timing of runs and finishing being his central traits make him an effective weapon up front in this ISL season. It is all about opportunities, as there is good competition to find a spot in Punjab’s attacking lineup. 7. MD Arbash – Bengaluru FC Arbash is a younger prospect whose development deserves attention. His youth international experience offers an encouraging foundation, but the transition to senior football remains the crucial step. Improving his ability to receive under pressure, progress possession, and make intelligent midfield decisions could help him emerge as a valuable long-term prospect for Bengaluru FC in the ISL season. 6. Hridaya Jain – Mumbai City FC Hridaya brings an interesting attacking profile to Mumbai City, with the ability to operate in wide positions. Adapting to the club’s tactical demands will be essential. His movement, creativity, combinations with teammates and contribution in front of goal will determine whether he can turn his potential into meaningful first-team opportunities under Manolo Roca’s guidance. 5. S. Prakadeswaran – Chennaiyin FC Prakadeswaran is an attacking prospect worth monitoring on the right wing. His ability to beat defenders, exploit space and deliver quality final balls will be crucial to his development. Having already experienced senior ISL football, his next challenge is earning more minutes and demonstrating that he can influence matches consistently as Chennai looks to reignite their lost glory. 4. Soham Varshneya – Bengaluru FC Soham’s versatility as a right winger and attacking midfielder makes him an interesting attacking option. His progress will depend on converting promising moments into consistent contributions through chance creation, intelligent movement and effective decision-making in the final third. A breakthrough season would help him establish a more substantial role at Bengaluru FC, especially when Bengaluru FC didn’t sign many players in the ISL window. 3. Danny Meitei – NorthEast United FC At just 18, Danny has considerable development potential. His ability to play in central and attacking midfield offers tactical flexibility. Improving his passing under pressure, movement, and defensive awareness will be important as he seeks greater involvement in senior football. A consistent run of appearances could accelerate his progress significantly, as with the likes of all others who broke into the Benali side. 2. Sumit Sharma – Kerala Blasters FC Sumit is a promising defensive prospect with experience representing India at the youth level. At centre-back, positioning, aerial ability, anticipation and composure have been constant for him. His biggest challenge will be translating his youth experience into senior performances. Regular opportunities could help him develop into a reliable defensive option for Kerala Blasters as Ashley looks to reinvent Blasters into a threatening side. 1. Singamayum Shami – Punjab FC Shami is an intriguing midfield prospect capable of operating in central and attacking roles. His youth international experience provides a valuable foundation, while his technical development and decision-making will determine how quickly he progresses. If he can contribute consistently in possession and the final third, he could become one of Punjab FC’s exciting young players. Who are the 10 young Indian players to watch in the ISL 2026-27 season? The 10 young Indian players to watch are Singamayum Shami, Sumit Sharma, Danny Meitei, Soham Varshneya, S. Prakadeswaran, Hridaya Jain, MD Arbash, Omang Dodum, Subham Bhattacharya and Aashir Salim in the ISL. Which clubs have the most young Indian players featured on this list? Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC have two players each on the list, while Punjab FC also features two young prospects. Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC have one player each. 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