This season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has highlighted a new trend: Indian players are being deployed in roles they may not have traditionally occupied. Tactical shifts, particularly in teams like FC Goa, have required Indian players to adapt to new positions with impressive results. This experimentation with roles reflects a deeper tactical evolution in Indian football.

One standout case is Ayush Chettri. The Mizoram midfielder is known for playing a deeper midfield role, as he did in India’s matches against China and Bangladesh in the Asian Games. However, in FC Goa’s recent match against Bengaluru FC, head coach Manolo Marquez placed Chettri in a more advanced position, just behind the primary striker. This tactic aimed to disrupt Bengaluru’s strong central defensive trio, the core of their defensive and offensive transitions. The move paid off, with Goa handing Bengaluru FC a 3-0 defeat, effectively exploiting their vulnerabilities and marking Bengaluru’s first loss of the season. Marquez later explained that analyzing Bengaluru’s tendency to switch between a three-back system in attack and a 4-4-2 diamond setup in defense allowed his team to devise a focused strategy to counter their playstyle.

Another adaptation is Pritam Kotal’s shift to center-back for Kerala Blasters. Once India’s leading right-back, Kotal has transitioned to a central defensive role within Kerala’s backline, either as part of a three-man defense or a traditional four-back setup. However, this transition has not been seamless. Kerala Blasters, facing a familiar foe in Mumbai City FC, struggled as they conceded four goals, including two penalties, a testament to the team’s defensive challenges. Kotal’s recent form has raised questions about his suitability in the national team setup, with Marquez favoring Rahul Bheke and Chinglensana Singh alongside Anwar Ali for the upcoming friendly against Malaysia.

Wingers Farukh Chaudhary and Manvir Singh present yet another example of players occupying unconventional roles. Both are naturally inclined toward central positions, with Farukh demonstrating his skill with the national team by taking on defenders and Manvir showcasing his goal-scoring ability against Kuwait. However, in the ISL, Farukh has been positioned on the left for Chennaiyin FC, while Manvir is often placed on the right for Mohun Bagan. This wide play restricts their central presence, an area where the Indian national team has traditionally struggled to find depth. Despite their adaptability on the flanks, the lack of game time in central roles impacts their readiness to fill these crucial positions for the national team.

Interestingly, Marquez’s 26-member Indian squad for the upcoming friendly features six forwards, five of whom are wingers in their club setups. The only dedicated striker, Edmund Lalrindika from Inter Kashi, has yet to play a club game this season. This reliance on wide players highlights an ongoing challenge in Indian football: the development and utilization of central players, especially strikers and central defenders, which are vital yet often underrepresented positions in the league.

In sum, while the tactical experimentation in the ISL provides valuable flexibility and experience to Indian players, the lack of regular central roles could impact the long-term stability and depth of the national team.