ISL: Teams shift focus to domestic players

Ahead of the player draft, scheduled to be held in Mumbai on Sunday, we take a look at the players who have already been retained by the clubs for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League.

Bengaluru FC, expectedly, has stuck with Sunil Chhetri for the ISL.

With the entry of two new clubs in the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League, teams are set for a total revamp as only two senior players can be retained from their 2016 squad. The franchises can also retain a maximum of three U-21 boys to fill up the development player quota.

Ahead of the player draft, scheduled to be held in Mumbai on Sunday, we take a look at the players who have already earned their places in the teams.

A total of 22 domestic players have already been signed by different teams. While Delhi Dynamos has decided not to retain a single player, Chennaiyin FC has retained the maximum number of players – four. Chennaiyin FC has decided to continue using the services of one of India’s best striker, Jeje Lalpekhlua, along with goalkeeper Karanjit Singh. As part of its U-21 quota, the Chennai franchise has retained capped player Jerry Lalrinzuala and AnirudhThapa.

Bengaluru FC, expectedly, has stuck with India captain Sunil Chhetri and winger Udanta Singh. Kerala Blasters team has signed its popular striker C.K. Vineeth along with star defender Sandesh Jhingan.

FC Pune City has retained only one senior player (Vishal Kaith) while the rest have filled up their quota of senior players. Five of the ten franchises have not picked any U-21 player.