ISL 2026-27 Matchweek 1: Khel Now names top 10 Indian performers

Khel Now on October 15, 2026 published its list of the top 10 Indian players from matchweek 1 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27, after the opening round of fixtures produced several tight contests.

Gurmeet Singh was judged the best Indian performer of the opening gameweek after a standout showing in goal, and the roundup was prepared to track domestic players’ form ahead of upcoming international assignments. The early fixtures generated strong interest, with the opening week drawing over 65 million views across free YouTube streams, and produced results including Bengaluru FC’s 3-2 win, FC Goa’s 1-1 draw with Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters’ 2-0 victory and Churchill Brothers’ 2-1 win over Mumbai City.

Between the sticks for NorthEast United, Gurmeet Singh made six saves — three from inside the box and three longer-range stops — a tally that Khel Now identified as the most by any goalkeeper in matchweek 1 and a decisive factor as NorthEast United beat Mohun Bagan 1-0. Jithin MS provided the dramatic finale to that game, coming off the bench and using his pace to create space before finishing in the 91st minute to secure all three points for his side.

Ryan Williams produced the most key passes of the week with five for Bengaluru FC, completed 95% of his passes, registered a shot on target and supplied the pass for Borja Martínez’s opening goal in Bengaluru’s 3-2 victory over Sporting Club Delhi. Borja Martínez then scored a brace and created five chances across the same match, helping the Blues overturn a deficit and claim the win.

Soham Varshneya entered Bengaluru’s game in the 74th minute and became a match-winner from the bench, registering two shots on target, two key passes and an 88% passing accuracy; his first-time cross found Menno Koch, who headed home the goal that decided the match. That contribution followed Bengaluru’s late goals in a high-scoring opener for the club.

Irfan Yadwad opened the scoring for Chennaiyin FC with a strike from the edge of the box in their 1-1 draw with FC Goa and also tracked back to make five important defensive contributions. In goal for Chennaiyin, Mohammad Nawaz made five saves — the second-highest by a goalkeeper in matchweek 1 — came off his line to clear danger, recorded a punch out, ten ball recoveries and two saves from inside the box.

Kerala Blasters’ captain Vibin combined goal contribution and chance creation in the Blasters’ 2-0 away win, scoring once while producing two key passes and maintaining a passing accuracy of nearly 80%. Ricky Shabong anchored Punjab FC’s midfield in their 2-1 home victory, completing 41 passes with an accuracy above 90%, supplying one key pass and winning all of his ground and aerial duels.

Gaurav Bora made a dream debut for Churchill Brothers after coming off the bench and scoring within 11 minutes, while also winning all his aerial duels and registering one clearance and one ball recovery in the club’s 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC. Muhammad Uvais supplied a curling ball into the box for Messi Bouli to score after just 39 seconds against Odisha FC, and added three ball recoveries, six clearances, one interception and won all of his aerial duels in that match.

Kerala Blasters FC lead the ISL 2026-27 points table after matchweek 1. Inter Kashi sits at the bottom of ISL 2026-27 points table following the end of matchweek 1.