As the Indian Super League (ISL) wraps up its league stage, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has secured the coveted League Shield following a string of impressive performances. With the playoffs set to commence post-international break on March 29, 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating the fierce competition that will unfold among the top six teams.
The playoffs will see Mohun Bagan Super Giant alongside FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Mumbai City FC, vying for the title. Yet, it's not just these qualifying teams that have made headlines this season. Several players from non-qualifying teams have also left an indelible mark with their outstanding performances.
In particular, Connor Shields from Chennaiyin FC tallied an impressive eight assists throughout the season, showcasing his offensive prowess despite his team finishing in 11th place. This marks the fourth time in five years that Chennaiyin FC will miss out on a playoff spot, a shocking decline for a club that has previously boasted a competitive edge. In addition to Shields, other notable players made their own significant contributions. For instance, Kerala Blasters FC's Jesus Jimenez led the league in scoring with a remarkable 11 goals.
While those on top turned in dominant seasons, the year was punctuated by several standout individual performances. Odisha FC's Hugo Boumous was a persistent threat on the field, contributing five goals and seven assists that nearly propelled his team to the playoffs. Diego Mauricio, another prominent figure from Odisha FC, maintained consistency with nine goals and six assists, bolstering his reputation as a key playmaker for the squad.
Noah Sadaoui shone for Kerala Blasters, scoring seven goals despite battling through injuries, while East Bengal's PV Vishnu emerged as a fan favorite with striking wing play—five goals and three assists in total. Mohammedan SC's Alexis Gomez reinforced his team's midfield with an impressive 38 chances created and 615 completed passes, proving instrumental throughout the season. Meanwhile, Nikhil Prabhu from Punjab FC demonstrated reliability in defense, leading the league with 56 interceptions, a testament to his versatility and skill set.
With the playoffs coming up, the excitement is building for thrilling matches ahead. The ISL Final is slated for April 12, 2025, promising a grand showdown to determine the champion.
On the flip side, the story is different for Chennaiyin FC, a team that has struggled with consistency and intensity. Having started the season with hope, they eventually dropped to 11th place, failing to secure a playoff berth for the fourth time in the past five seasons.
Initially, the Marina Machans began strongly with a significant win against Odisha FC, but their promising start quickly dissolved into turmoil, marked by three consecutive winless matches. Coach Owen Coyle orchestrated a squad filled with potential, yet the unpredictability of the team culminated in disappointing results. They performed well against teams lower in the standings, managing to dominate Jamshedpur FC across both encounters, but faltered when facing the league's elite, remaining winless against top-six clubs.
Chennaiyin's U23 players, however, provided some bright spots, amassing 6,225 minutes of playtime—the fourth-highest in the league—and contributing 12 goal involvements, the joint-second most among teams. Irfan Yadwad, a significant young talent, emerged with nine goal contributions, marking a standout season that revitalized hopes for Chennaiyin’s future. His performance surpasses the record set by Jeje Lalpekhlua in 2017-18 for contributions made by an Indian player in ISL history.
Connor Shields' marquee season equated him with a record historically held by former colleague Rafael Crivellaro for the most assists by a Chennaiyin FC player. With 76 chances created, he surpassed prior records set in past seasons, reflecting his dedication and skill, even as his team fell to the depths of the table. Regrettably, the lack of defensive organization bogged down Chennaiyin, with just four clean sheets—ranking as the second-lowest in league standings. Additionally, they dropped 11 points from winning positions this year, leading to numerous unwanted draws and losses.
As the playoffs loom, the league's top performers are set to clash, but Chennaiyin FC faces an uphill battle to reclaim its dominance in the following season. Summoning better cohesion and defensive solidarity will be crucial. Specifically, the club must address its defensive frailties while seeking quality players to complement Shields' talents as they bid to salvage pride and legacy in the league ahead.
The season thus far has been a blend of spectacular triumphs and crushing disappointments as teams regroup in preparation for the national spotlight. With playoffs just around the corner, expectations remain high, promising excitement and unpredictability common in such a competitive arena like the ISL.
