ISL Auction: Sunil Chhetri, the biggest draw

Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the country at the moment. Uses his speed to make darting runs down the wings and is also accurate with his crosses. At the same time, his inability to hold his position and track runs of opposition wingers are his biggest weaknesses.

Jackichand Singh
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Club: Royal Wahingdoh
International appearances/goals: 4/0
Base price: Rs 20 lakh

The best player of the last I-League season, Jackichand is likely to spark a bidding war. His pace down the wings sets him apart from most players in his position. He doesn’t shy away from showing off his tricks and also fancies his chances from long range. His biggest downside is he gets easily outmuscled and is perceived to be selfish at times.

Karanjit Singh
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Salgaocar
International appearances: 16
Base price: Rs 60 lakh

A well-rounded keeper with few significant weaknesses, Karanjit has consistently provided stiff competition to India No. 1 Subrata Pal. He injured his groin early on in the 2015 I-League campaign and made just six appearances for Salgaocar. He was dropped by Stephen Constantine from the national team.

Sunil Chhetri
Age: 30
Position: Striker
Club: Bengaluru FC
International appearances/goals: 87/50
Base price: Rs 80 lakh

He still retains good pace and poses an aerial threat for most defences. Technically one of the superior players in India, he should be able to gel easily with the foreign recruits. His price tag may be the biggest deterrent, though. Spending nearly a crore out of the salary cap of Rs 20 crore on one player could be a costly bargain for clubs.

Robin Singh
Age: 25
Position: Striker
Club: Bengaluru FC
International appearances/goals): 18/1
Base price: Rs 40 lakh

His physical attributes compliment his playing style. His hold-up play and the ability to bully defenders makes up for his lack of goals. But his inability to score is a big concern, especially since he considers himself to be a striker. He is also accused of given up possession far too easily at times.

Anas Edathodika
Age: 28
Position: Centre-back
Club: Pune FC
International appearance: 0
Base price: Rs 40 lakh

The vastly experienced defender has a reputation of being one of the most sure-footed players in the domestic league and comes up with some match-winning performances in the defence. He is known for making tough tackles and his man-marking abilities. He, however, is injury prone and played just 10 games last season for Pune FC.

Arata Izumi
Age: 32
Position: Midfielder
Clubs: Pune FC
International appearances/goals: 9/0
Base price: Rs 40 lakh

He became the first foreign-born player to play for India, when he was selected by Wim Koevermans in 2013. Born in Japan to an Indian father and Japanese mother, he is vastly experienced and was known for his pace and quick bursts of acceleration. Age seems to have caught up with him and he isn’t his old self anymore.

Thoi Singh
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
Club: Bengaluru FC
International appearance: 0
Base price: Rs 39 lakh

Known for his ball-winning ability and energetic display, Thoi has also started to chip in with goals, scoring five times last season. At just 5’6”, he lacks a physical presence in midfield and struggles in aerial duels. He also is fairly inexperienced.

Seityasen Singh
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Club: Royal Wahingdoh
International appearances/goals: 1/0
Base price: Rs 20 lakh

A gifted player, Seityasen is a fleet-footed winger who is comfortable on both flanks. Among the hard-working players, he tracks down and helps in defence. However, how quickly he adapts to ISL remains to be seen. And like most flair players, he is perceived to be selfish at times, a trait that may not cut well with the franchises.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
Club: Bengaluru FC
International appearances/goals): 4/0
Base price: Rs 27.5 lakh

A late bloomer, he shuttles from box-to-box, linking up with the attack, providing cover to defence and getting on the ball to dictate play.

He featured in every Bengaluru FC game last season and had 33 appearances in all competitions, apart from four national team matches. Burn out might be an issue.

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