Indian Player Ratings: Udanta Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad shine in four-goal thriller

The Blasters once again failed to win despite having a comfortable first half lead.

It was a game of two halves as Bengaluru FC overturned a two-goal deficit in the first half to split the points against a lively Kerala Blasters. An early Slavisa Stojanovic penalty and a Courage Pekuson screamer allowed Kerala to go into half-time with a 2-0 lead, but a fighting Bengaluru clawed their way back into the game with well-worked goals from Udanta and Sunil Chhetri. The thrilling match also saw the Blasters hit the post in the second half through Stojanovic.

The first South Indian derby of 2019 did not disappoint as @bengalurufc and @KeralaBlasters took home a point each from #BENKER.More videos: https://t.co/8jtqJIAZIh #HeroISL #ISLRecap #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/cP9bfSsan4

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 6, 2019

Watch: Bengaluru 2-2 Kerala highlights

Here are the ratings of the Indian players from the fixture:

Bengaluru FC

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu - 6.5 

The two goals were beyond his control. However, he pulled off a great save to prevent Kerala from adding a third. He was brilliant with his distribution, finding open teammates despite the intense pressure from the Blasters' frontline. 

Nishu Kumar - 6.0 

His first start after the injury was a very tedious one. Seminlen Doungel was constantly getting the better of him and the full-back was conceding defeat in several one-on-ones. However, he grew more solid after the half letting very little past him.

Harmanjot Khabra - 6.0 

The versatile player put in a valuable shift in different positions for The Blues. His stint at right-back after Kean Lewis' shift helped Bengaluru solidify the ship. He continued thereafter with Bheke's introduction and held the defensive shape very well. He finished the game with a passing accuracy of 86%.

Kumam Udanta Singh - 8.5 

Despite not influencing the attack a lot in the first half, Udanta Singh was constantly creating problems for the opposition's's defence. He was also tracking back regularly and even thwarted a Kerala attack single-handedly in the first half.

His alertness in the box was rewarded, when he was there to bundle in Chhetri's headed cut-back. Found Chhetri for the second goal, with a glorious assist across the box.

Kean Lewis - 5.5 

Gave a penalty for an unfortunate handball in the early stages of the first half. Was ineffective in the first half, especially as a right-back. Was substituted at the break.

Sunil Chhetri - 8.5 

.@chetrisunil11 tries to round off a free-flowing @bengalurufc move but @dhee_singh01 is on hand to deny him!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/onXtrvqoSXJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENKER #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/R35gqQNd0g

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 6, 2019

Watch: Chhetri's put in a decent display finding space everywhere

Despite being ineffective in the first half, Chhetri started displaying his prowess after the break. he was getting into good positions and tested Dheeraj once. He was incessantly finding space behind Rakip and heading it into the box for the players in the middle.

One such cut-back resulted in Udanta's goal. He also got his valuable goal when he towered over Rakip to head it past Dheeraj.

Edmund Lalrindika - 5.0

The youngster's debut was one to forget. he was constantly outmatched by the Blasters' centre-back duo, with Sandesh Jhinghan especially, getting the better of him on several occasions. He rarely threatened the Blasters goal and was promptly removed at half-time

Substitutes

Rahul Bheke - 7.0 

Came on at the turn of the half and proved to be very effective. His overlapping and crossing were creating numerous problems for the Blasters' backline. His solid presence helped Bengaluru to venture forward in attack. 

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Kerala Blasters

Dheeraj Singh - 6.0 

.@dhee_singh01 leaves his line to claim the ball and fumbles before Sahal Abdul Samad comes to @KeralaBlasters' rescue!Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/onXtrvqoSXJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENKER pic.twitter.com/z4U87dOdpF

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 6, 2019

Watch: Dheeraj was shaky on occasions

Had very little to do in the second half. However, the youngster pulled off crucial saves when called upon in the second. He was shaky on occasions, but could not have done anything to stop both the Bengaluru goals. He made three important saves and also punched away four dangerous crosses.

Pritam Singh - 6.0 

Starting in place of the suspended Lalruaththara, Pritam Singh showcased a good level of poise and maturity to handle the lethal Bengaluru attack in the first half. However, he could not prevent any of the crosses from his side in the second, with one eventually leading to the equaliser. He made five crucial blocks and also intercepted the ball twice.

Mohamad Rakip - 5.0 

The full-back was finding space in the first half and was able to deliver crosses. It was due to his cross that the away side got a penalty.

Despite dealing with Chhetri successfully in the first half, the youngster was constantly outrun by the Indian skipper. Chhetri was finding space behind him to exploit and both the Bengaluru goals happened due to his inability to deal with floated long balls.

Sandesh Jhinghan - 6.5 

Jhingan was rock-solid in the first half, taking no prisoners. Despite being visibly bruised, Jhinghan was calm and composed, leading the backline with great confidence. He handled Edmund with ease in the first half, but with Xisco Hernandez and Miku's introduction, his performance dipped. He made eight clearances and two crucial tackles.

Sahal Abdul Samad - 8.0 

Sahal Abdul Samad shows birthday boy @DimasDelgadoMor his party trick! ????Watch it LIVE on @hotstartweets: https://t.co/onXtrvqoSXJioTV users can watch it LIVE on the app. #HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENKER #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/6X8thfTFpm

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 6, 2019

Watch: Samad had a cracker of a night against Bengaluru

The Blasters' midfield man was at his absolute best against The Blues. He was efficient defensively, especially in the first half, preventing any Bengaluru attacks. He was at his creative best at the other end of the field, creating several opportunities on the counter.

He was the chief architect behind Blasters' second goal, playing Doungel through. He missed out on an assist, when Stojanovic's shot from his layoff in the second half hit the crossbar.

Seiminlen Doungel - 6.5 

The former NorthEast winger was at his pacy best. He was constantly running at and creating problems for Nishu Kumar. His energy and intent allowed him to create the second goal, setting it up for Courage Pekuson to fire in.

Got a needless yellow card in the second half for clashing with Dimas Delgado. He was ineffective in the second half and was removed for Abdul Hakku.

Substitutes

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Abdul Hakku - NA 

Was put in after the equaliser to stop Chhetri's influence over Rakip. Successful in preventing more Bengaluru attacks from the wings.