ISL 2026–27: 10 young Indian players to watch as season starts on October 10
As the 2026–27 Indian Super League season begins on October 10, Khel Now has singled out 10 young Indian players who could earn significant minutes and impact their clubs this campaign.
The upcoming season will draw attention to established stars and new signings, but Khel Now argues that the development of young domestic talent is equally important. For some listed players the campaign presents a chance to secure regular first-team football; for others it may mark the start of a senior career. The piece notes that progress will be measured less by individual highlights than by a player’s ability to earn a coach’s trust, adapt to senior football and show consistent improvement. Broadcast arrangements for the season include live coverage of MGISL13 from October 10 on YouTubeIndia, SonySportsNetwk and SonyLIV.
Odisha FC’s Aashir Salim and Subham Bhattacharya are both highlighted for their versatility in defensive and midfield roles. Aashir is noted for his capacity to play central midfield, defensive midfield and right-back and will need to develop tactical discipline, reliable passing and defensive awareness to identify his strongest role under T G Purushothaman. Subham’s ability to cover centre-back and right-back is described as useful, but the article stresses the need for improved positioning, one-versus-one defending and composure on the ball as he seeks senior experience at Odisha FC.
Punjab FC’s Omang Dodum and Singamayum Shami are listed among the prospects from that club. Omang is presented as a striker whose movement inside the penalty area, timing of runs and finishing are his primary traits, with selection contingent on opportunities amid competition for attacking places. Shami is described as a midfield prospect capable of operating in central and attacking roles; his youth international experience is cited as a foundation while technical development and decision-making will determine his contribution in possession and the final third for Punjab FC.
Bengaluru FC features MD Arbash and Soham Varshneya as two young players to monitor. Arbash is framed as a younger prospect with youth international experience whose key task is adapting to senior football by improving his ability to receive under pressure, progress possession and make intelligent midfield decisions. Soham, noted for his versatility as a right winger and attacking midfielder, is identified as needing to convert promising moments into consistent contributions through chance creation, intelligent movement and effective final-third decision-making; the article adds that a breakthrough season would help him establish a larger role at Bengaluru FC, especially since Bengaluru FC didn’t sign many players in the ISL window.
The report also profiles Hridaya Jain, S. Prakadeswaran and Sumit Sharma across three different clubs. Hridaya, at Mumbai City, is credited with an attacking profile suited to wide positions and must adapt to tactical demands while producing movement, creativity and goal contributions under Manolo Roca. Prakadeswaran, with senior ISL experience at Chennaiyin FC, is positioned as a right-wing prospect whose ability to beat defenders, exploit space and deliver quality final balls will be judged on whether he can earn more minutes. Sumit, a centre-back who has represented India at youth level, is highlighted for positioning, aerial ability, anticipation and composure, and the article notes that regular opportunities could help him translate youth promise into senior performances as Ashley looks to reinvent the Blasters.
Danny Meitei is included as an 18-year-old with the ability to play in central and attacking midfield; the piece states he needs to improve passing under pressure, movement and defensive awareness to secure greater involvement in senior football, and that a consistent run of appearances could accelerate his development. The full list of the 10 players named is Singamayum Shami, Sumit Sharma, Danny Meitei, Soham Varshneya, S. Prakadeswaran, Hridaya Jain, MD Arbash, Omang Dodum, Subham Bhattacharya and Aashir Salim. Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC have two players each on the list, Punjab FC also features two prospects, while Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC have one each.