The second-tier of Indian football, i.e. I-League, is likely to commence in November 2024. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has not declared dates for the upcoming season, but one can guarantee looking forward to a fierce fight in the competition.
Last time around, Mohemeddan SC secured a promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) after emerging victors in the I-League. Whilst the move up to the ISL continues to be the most coveted prize that the I-League has to offer, there are some key facets to look forward to, with the introduction of India U-20 national team and the entry of Sporting Bengaluru and Dempo SC in the competition.
Contenders
Sreenidi Deccan have finished second in the standings twice in the row, losing an ISL spot to Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC in the last two seasons respectively. Last campaign, they secured 48 points, whereas Gokulam Kerala FC and Inter Kashi FC followed with 42 and 41 points respectively.
Real Kashmir FC were close fifths with 41 to their name, and expect Sreenidi to mount another challenge in the forthcoming edition. However, with the likes of Gokulam Kerala FC and Inter Kashi FC strengthening their ranks in the summer, the battle for the top spot is going to be closer than ever.
Dark Horses
Mohammedan SC jumped from an eighth spot in 2022-23 to finish atop the standings the following year, and similar heroics from other sides cannot be ruled out in the coming campaign.
The likes of Delhi FC, Churchill Brothers, and Shillong Lajong FC showed that they have a stomach for a fight by all getting 30+ points last season. With smart acquisitions and greater consistency, they can give the favourite contenders a run for their money.
Delhi FC and Churchill have respectively won four and three of their previous five encounters respectively in the I-League, entering the new season with positive momentum and confidence under their belt.
Relegation Candidates
Sporting Bengaluru and Dempo SC could arguably find it difficult to come in terms with the demands of the I-League in their first year back into the competition. Last time around, it was TRAU FC and NEROCA FC, who bore the brunt of relegation. Preceding them was Rajasthan FC in the table, who garnered 25 points from 24 games.
Aizawl FC had gotten 25 points from 22 encounters, whereas the Punjab-based Namdhari FC secured 27 from 24. These sides will have to pull up their socks a great deal to avoid succumbing into the trap of the relegation zone. At the same time, one can’t rule out the possibility of any of them producing a surprising run and moving up the ladder to actually challenge for the top spots, given the astounding nature of the league.
Another aspect to watch out for in the coming edition will be the presence of the India U-20 national team. They have been included in the competition to provide ample playing time ahead of the big tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup and the Asian Games in 2026.
Though the side has amnesty from promotion-relegation, it can also be argued that they will have all to play for with nothing to lose, unlike other teams for whom it could be a high-stakes encounter. Will the freedom that the Indian U-20 side could play with give them an edge over other teams in the league? And what sort of impact could it have on the overall dynamics of the league? Let’s explore that in detail in another article.
