Kerala Blasters FC are gearing up for their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 debut, marking a pivotal moment for the team under new head coach David Català. The Blasters have officially announced their 27-player squad, showcasing their readiness for the tournament, which kicks off on April 20, 2025, against defending champions East Bengal FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Following a challenging season in the Indian Super League (ISL), where they finished eighth and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years, the Blasters are eager to turn the page and make a strong impression in this knockout-style competition. The Kalinga Super Cup, featuring 16 teams—13 from the ISL and three from the I-League—offers a chance for redemption and silverware, a goal that has eluded the club in recent years.
Since the conclusion of their ISL campaign, the Blasters have been hard at work in Kochi, engaging in rigorous training sessions to implement Català’s tactical philosophy. The Spanish coach, who took the helm on March 25, has been assessing his squad and fostering connections with the players during this crucial preparation period.
“It’s been a valuable few weeks for us,” Català remarked. “We’ve focused on building chemistry and understanding the tactical framework I want to implement. The players have shown great commitment, and I’m excited to see how we perform in the tournament.”
The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. In goal, the Blasters have four options: Sachin Suresh, Kamaljit Singh, Alsabith ST, and Muhammed Jaseen. The defensive lineup includes Hormipam Ruivah, Bikash Yumnam, Milos Drinčić, Dušan Lagator, Naocha Singh, Aibanbha Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, and Sandeep Singh.
In midfield, the Blasters will rely on Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Adrián Luna, Mohammed Azhar, Yoihenba Meitei, Ebindas Yesudasan, Korou Singh, Mohammed Aimen, and Renthlei Lalthanmawia. The forward line boasts talents like Jesús Jiménez, Kwame Peprah, Noah Sadaoui, Ishan Pandita, and Sreekuttan MS, all of whom are expected to deliver crucial performances as the tournament unfolds.
The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will follow a single-elimination format, with all matches hosted at the Kalinga Stadium from April 20 to May 3. The stakes are high, as the winner of the tournament secures a spot in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) playoffs, adding an extra layer of motivation for the teams involved.
In their opening match, Kerala Blasters will face East Bengal FC, a formidable opponent and the reigning champions. This matchup is not only a test of skill but also a chance for the Blasters to establish their presence in the tournament early on. Should they advance, they may encounter the ISL champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for potentially thrilling clashes.
For the Blasters, this tournament represents more than just a series of matches; it’s an opportunity to reclaim their status in Indian football and showcase the talents of their squad under Català’s leadership. The pressure is on, but the team is determined to rise to the occasion.
The Blasters’ fans, known for their passionate support, will undoubtedly be eager to see how their team performs in this crucial tournament. The Kalinga Super Cup is a chance for the players to not only secure silverware but also to reinvigorate the spirit of the Blasters, who have a rich history in Indian football.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, excitement is building among supporters and players alike. The Blasters are ready to embark on this new journey, and all eyes will be on them as they aim to make a mark in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.
