ISL 2017, Match 1: Kerala Blasters vs ATK, 5 Talking Points about the match

#4 ATK have a gem in Hitesh Sharma

Hitesh Sharma was the silver lining in an otherwise drab game. (Image Courtesy: ISL)

Around this time last year, 19-year-old, Hitesh Sharma was plying his trade in the I-League for the now-defunct Mumbai FC. Fast forward to 2017, and Hitesh started for ATK and produced a thoroughly impressive performance. At Mumbai, he had to settle for a place on the bench.

Tonight, he was part of the starting XI and displayed glimpses of his versatility and close control. Sharma created ATK's best chance of the night. Unfortunately for him, his stinging shot from close range was parried away by Kerala's keeper. In Hitesh, ATK have a boy who is comfortable carrying the ball forward and who combines well with the striker.