As the Indian Super League 2024-25 season reaches its midpoint, it’s time to take stock of how each club has fared thus far. While perennial powerhouses like Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC are meeting expectations, other clubs are defying the odds – for better or worse. In this comprehensive midseason report card, we hand out grades to all 11 ISL teams based on their performance in the first half of the campaign.
Straight A Students
Topping the class are Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who earn an impressive A grade. The Mariners have been ruthlessly efficient, boasting the league’s best defense while consistently finding ways to grind out results. Captain Subhasish Bose has been an indomitable presence at the back, while Greg Stewart and Manvir Singh are joint-leaders in goal contributions.
Close behind with an A- are Bengaluru FC, whose embarrassment of attacking riches has powered them to second place. The Blues can call upon the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Roy Krishna, and new signing Kalu Uche, giving head coach Simon Grayson the most lethal strike force in the ISL. If they can shore up a suddenly leaky defense, BFC have the firepower to challenge for the Shield.
Surprise Standouts
The biggest revelation has been NorthEast United FC, who earned a stellar B+ at the halfway mark. The Highlanders have been electrifying going forward thanks to midfield maestro Alaaeddine “Houdini” Ajaraie, the runaway favorite for Golden Boot with 12 goals in as many games. If Juan Benali’s men can sustain their high-octane style for 90 minutes, a playoff spot beckons.
Also overachieving are Punjab FC, whose organized, counter-attacking approach under Panagiotis Dilmperis merits a solid B. Indian defensive mid Nikhil Prabhu has been immense, while Luka Majcen and Rahul KP lead a clinical attack. The Lions will be dark horses to watch if they can start translating home form to the road.
Middle Of The Pack
Languishing in mediocrity are Mumbai City FC with a disappointing C. The Islanders remain defensively stout, but the goals have dried up as wingers Lallianzuala Chhangte and Vikram Partap Singh struggle to make an impact. With talismanic striker Igor Angulo sidelined, MCFC need midfield metronome Ahmed Jahouh to up the tempo and unlock their dormant attack.
- FC Goa – B-: Armando Sadiku shining up top but lack of consistency and defensive lapses holding Gaurs back.
- Odisha FC – C: Star-studded attack led by Diego Mauricio papering over cracks of an aging, sluggish squad.
- Jamshedpur FC – B-: Unbeatable at home but toothless on the road; need more from misfiring forwards Daniel Chima and Jordan Murray.
In Danger Of Flunking
A trio of teams find themselves staring at failing marks as the season hits its critical phase. Chennaiyin FC get a D for a mystifying inability to convert chances despite boasting the ISL’s second-highest xG. Owen Coyle’s over-reliance on underperforming Indian forwards is bordering on stubbornness at this point.
Even worse off are Kerala Blasters and Hyderabad FC, both slapped with an F for horrendous starts that have already seen their coaches get the axe. The Blasters have the offensive firepower to turn things around, but their porous defense remains an unsolved riddle for new boss Tomasz Tchórz. As for a depleted HFC, pride is about all they have left to play for.
Most Improved
Proof that it’s never too late for a turnaround, East Bengal FC looked hopeless after six straight defeats but have been a revelation under new gaffer Oscar Bruzon, racking up an A- since his arrival. EB are still long shots for the top four but Bruzon has gotten the best out of underrated Indians like Suhair VP and Ankit Mukherjee to give their long-suffering fans hope.
“This league has a way of humbling you. What matters isn’t how you start but how you adapt and evolve. The ISL is a marathon, not a sprint.”
-Oscar Bruzon, East Bengal FC Head Coach
As the ISL enters its crucial final stretch, clubs will be scrambling to boost their grade point average – and avoid the wooden spoon. While some look primed to graduate with flying colors, others need a crash course in winning football, fast. In a league as unpredictable as the ISL, not even the teacher’s pets can afford to coast. It’s time for the head of the class to start acting like it.
