Indian Player Ratings: Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh the shining beacons as Bengaluru reach ISL final

The Blues' skipper was the only domestic player on the scoresheet against the Highlanders on Monday.

Bengaluru FC progressed to their second consecutive Indian Super League (ISL) final by thumping NorthEast United 3-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Monday. Despite scuffing many chances, the Blues fed off their home support and scored three second half goals through Miku, Dimas Delgado and Sunil Chhetri.

NorthEast were a side ravaged by injuries and did well to keep them out, but the brilliance of Udanta Singh and Co. allowed Bengaluru to outclass them and book a date with destiny on Sunday.

Here are our Indian player ratings for the match:

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu- 6.0

Gurpreet remained strong in a pressure situation, holding his ground and showing alertness between the posts. He made a couple of smart saves to deny Juan Mascia, while distributing the ball well. While his defenders didn’t allow him to be tested much, he stayed tall and earned his clean-sheet.

Harmanjot Singh Khabra- 6.5

Khabra was drafted into right-back for the game and did a pretty good job in keeping Fanai quiet through most of it. He went forward with intent, making some clever passes and opening things up for Udanta, while making a couple of key clearances and interceptions.

Rahul Bheke- 6.5 The right-back moved into a more central role with ease in the game, partnering Juanan really well and keeping Mascia as contained as possible. Bheke’s positioning and marking skills were displayed with a strong showing. He was particularly impressive in defending the lead, keeping things tight, making two tackles, two clearances and three interceptions to ensure Bengaluru seal the deal

Nishu Kumar- 7.0

A fantastic tackle from @nishukumar22 to halt Juan Mascia on his tracks. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENNEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/3cbLF7X0t0

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 11, 2019

Watch: Nishu Kumar produced a magnificent performance against NorthEast United

Nishu redeemed himself after having a nightmare in Guwahati, as he moved forward with more intent and showcased impressive confidence. He linked-up with  Sunil Chhetri really well and sent in a beautiful cross in the first half, which should’ve gone in.

Later in the second half, he had a long shot saved brilliantly by Kumar, denying him another screamer. Even defensively, he was much stronger, making five blocks and two tackles to earn a clean-sheet.

Udanta Singh- 7.5

.@bengalurufc appealed for a penalty there but was it one?#HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENNEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/EviIYVGh9M

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 11, 2019

Watch: The "Indian Flash" was a threat to be reckoned with on Monday night

Udanta was back to his electric best at the Sree Kanteerava, sticking to his side and causing big problems for Keegan Perreira with his pace. He made one special run into the box and laid it on a plate for Miku to score, only to see him scuff it.

However, "The Flash" woke up in the second half and picked out a brilliant pass for Miku to score. Later, he almost scored himself after getting into space, but sealed the deal for his side when he proved worth the nickname with a flash-like counter-attack, which was eventually finished off by Delgado.  

Sunil Chhetri- 7.5

The Bengaluru captain showed impressive urgency going forward and aimed to inspire his side. He got the better of Reagan multiple times, but his delivery wasn’t on point. However, as he’s done for so many years, he got the job done for the Blues by showing amazing determination to race past NorthEast’s defence and score another one in the dying minutes.

Substitutes

Boithang Haokip- NA

Came in the dying minutes and couldn’t really make much of an impact with the game sealed.

ALSO READ

• Sergio Lobera warns about fielding 'best XI', Jorge Costa recognizes 'difficult job'

• Bengaluru FC outclass NorthEast United to make consecutive ISL finals

• Majestic season proves discontinuing I-League could send back Indian Football by another decade

NorthEast United FC

Pawan Kumar- 6.5

Impressive reflexes from Pawan Kumar there!#HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENNEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/cQY5WtAioY

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 11, 2019

Watch: Pawan Kumar was arguably the best player for the visitors

Pawan was the saviour in goal for the Highlanders, collecting the ball confidently and looking as alert as ever. He made a few stunning saves in the second half, keeping out Nishu Kumar and Udanta’s low shots really well. Despite doing well to save multiple certain goals, he couldn’t save NorthEast from elimination and was mighty unlucky to concede three on the day.  

Reagan Singh- 5.0

Reagan was given a difficult time by the energetic Chettri and struggled to keep up with him on the flank. Singh couldn’t really stop the forward from sending in crosses, but was lucky to see them thwarted. Didn’t do much going forward either, resulting in him being sacrificed for Nikhil Kadam later in the second half.

Keegan Pereira- 5.5

A last-minute replacement for the injured Robert Lalthlamuana, Keegan had a very topsy-turvy game.  He was commendable in keeping Udanta quiet through the first half. Periera made six clearances and three interceptions, but lost his composure towards the end of the second half, allowing Udanta to assist Miku’s goal and get behind him multiple times inside the box. Lucky not to concede a penalty as well.  

Lalthathanga Khawlhring- 5.5

Puitea couldn’t really do much to control possession for his side nor could he create much for them. While he looked to open things up, he was stopped by a sturdy Bengaluru and rendered ineffective throughout the game. He was unable to create chances when it mattered and ended the season in disappointing fashion.  

Lalrempuia Fanai- 5.0

Coming into the team after a layoff, the youngster was brought in to conjure up something special for his side. While he did well to move the ball in the attacking third, having a 79% passing accuracy, Fanai couldn’t break open the opposition defence and create big chances for his side. Substituted in the second half after pulling his hamstring.

Redeem Tlang- 6.0

Redeem couldn’t replicate his heroics from the earlier leg, being unable to drive into the box and being kept quiet by the hosts. He was unable to create anything special and had to look to fulfill his defensive duties more than he could do in attack.

Substitutes

Shouvik Ghosh- 6.0

Ghosh was brought on for his crossing ability, but apart from making one great cross, he couldn’t really do much.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Nikhil Kadam- 5.5

Brought on to create chances for Mascia and Co. he couldn’t make the difference for the Highlanders.