5 greatest players in I-League history

#2 Sunil Chhetri

The golden boy of Indian football. The torchbearer for everything that is right about this sport in this country. But until 2012, Chhetri did not really impose himself on the I-League scene, despite his stunning goal-scoring exploits for the national team.

Chhetri joined Churchill in 2012, after playing for various clubs across the country. He found the net regularly in that season for the Goan side, but the real Sunil Chhetri was seen in the I-League only from the 2014 edition.

He was signed by newcomers Bengaluru FC as their captain. It was clear that Bengaluru wanted to build their side around Chhetri – and they could not have found a better player to do that with.

And their decision has been justified by both Chhetri’s performances and the team’s performances. In the 3 years of their existence in the I-League, Bengaluru have finished 1st, 2nd and 1st. Add to that, a dream run to the AFC Cup final and you know what an impact the club has made to Indian football.

And at the centre of everything has been their no. 11. He has scored goals, he has assisted goals, he has been a nuisance for defenders to deal with, but probably most importantly for Bengaluru, he has been their leader.

The players on the pitch look to Chhetri when there is a need for inspiration. The players on the pitch look to Chhetri when their team is in trouble. And the best part about it is, Chhetri shows them the way, not through his mouth but through his actions. He is as big a leader by example as they come.