Indian Super XI: From Jeje to Izumi and Chhetri, here's the ISL's Indian team of the year

It took a mere half an hour for Jeje Lalpekhlua to become the first Indian to get on the scoresheet in the second edition of the Indian Super League. In a season which has been dominated by foreign stars all across the pitch – from the likes of Apoula Bete in goal, Leo Moura in midfield to Iain Hume and Stiven Mendoza up front, there have been a handful of Indian players who impressed spectators with their skillful displays -- with Jeje winning the coveted Emerging Player of the Year award.

Let us take a look at the Indian Team of the season, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Amrinder Singh: The 22-year-old Atletico de Kolkata custodian has been a revelation below the bars this season. The Indian U-23 international had the best ‘minutes-to-goals-conceded’ ratio among the Indian keepers, conceding a goal every 73 minutes.

It was not just his quick reflexes, but also his command of the box which made him such a safe pair of hands, even when Atletico struggled to contain opposition shots. Although he kept only a solitary clean sheet through the course of the season, Amrinder was one of the most consistent performers in Antonio Habas’ side.

Mehrajuddin Wadoo: Locks down the right fullback position with impressive defensive numbers. With forty tackles and ten aerial duels in fourteen appearances for Chennaiyin FC, Wadoo is not only a monumental defensive presence in the box, but also helped implement an aggressive style of play for the champions with his pressing on the flanks and exquisite touch.

Anas Edathodika: He turned out for a Delhi Dynamos side which averaged more tackles and saves per game than any other team – forming a sound backline which churned out 1-0 results on a consistent basis. The 28-year-old centre-half averaged 3.2 tackles every match, a trait which ensured opponents of the Dynamos did not find space to operate in the danger zone.

His 24 interceptions and 16 successful aerial duels also highlight the fact that Edathodika is a complete defender, successful against all kinds of opposition attackers.

Arnab Mondal: ATK's Mondal joins Edathodika at the heart of the defence. In and out of the side in the initial phase of the tournament, Mondal came into his own as it progressed.

His partnership with Tiri during the business end of the season meant the defending champions became the first side to qualify for the knockouts. Mondal formed an indispensable part of the Atletico setup, his consistency and tactical acumen finding him a place in India’s best eleven.

Zodingliana 'Adinga' Ralte: Adinga rounds up the backline for this team at left-back. The 20-year-old, on loan from Shillong Lajong, has averaged 5.5 defensive contributions every ninety minutes.

The youngster had come into the limelight during his stint with NorthEast United FC in the first edition of the ISL and further showcased his progress this season. Combining defensive ability with composure, Adinga is definitely one for the future.

Bikramjit Singh: Plied his trade at FC Goa in deep midfield -- this tactically astute central midfielder has been one of the most under-rated players of Zico’s side this season. While the likes of Leo Moura and Reinaldo have walked away with the plaudits for attacking brilliance, it was Bikramjit who helped in the transitions.

The 23-year-old had all but shut out Mendoza in the first half of the final, and it is hardly surprising that Zico’s side fell to demoralising defeats against Atletico de Kolkata in the group stage and Delhi Dynamos in the first leg of their semi-finals when Bikramjit did not start.

Thoi Singh: Marauding, pressing and adventurous - Thoi was the midfield general of Chennaiyin FC, equally efficient going forward as he was while defending. Thoi took 19 shots throughout the competition, five of which were on target and capped off an exceptional season with the trophy.

With a cumulative total of (seasno highest) 71 tackles and 25 interceptions, the Bengaluru FC midfielder has displayed his tenacity off the ball and creativity on it. While his physical attributes and pace complements his gameplay, Thoi’s ball-winning ability in the midfield was a huge asset for the champions. In our team, we'll have him as a box-to-box midfielder with Bikramjit rather than use him on the right like Marco Materazzi.

Arata Izumi: Izumi finds himself on the left flank in this team – the Japanese-born midfielder scored five goals and created one for Habas’ side. It was hardly a coincidence that Atletico played some of their best football and looked the most threatening with Izumi in their side and slumped off when the midfielder was sidelined through an injury.

Izumi registered thirteen shots on target, while averaging 26 completed passes every ninety minutes. An excellent crosser of the ball, Izumi also tends to find space behind the defence which translates into goals for his team.

Romeo Fernandes: The right-winger had another fine season with two goals and four assists -- but that's not the only side of his game that was on display this time around. In Zico's 3-5-2, he had to defend as a wingback and managed to throw in 15 tackles in 14 apperances. It was a tough call to make, considering his wing-partner Mandar Rao Dessai also had a fine season, but Romeo's cross in the final for Goa's equaliser was too good to ignore.

Sunil Chhetri: The stalwart of Indian football put up some of his finest displays in the competition through the centre of the park. Chhetri scored seven goals with sixteen shots on target, although he was largely underwhelming while starting on the wings for Mumbai City FC.

Chhetri has regularly found his teammates in goalscoring positions while performing as a playmaker – the 31-year-old’s technical ability on the ball complemented by his vision. In this side, we play him behind Jeje as a false nine.

Jeje Lalpekhlua: Finally came of age during this season of the Indian Super League as the Mizoram-born forward finished with six goals and three assists. His partnership with Stiven Mendoza up front was at the heart of Chennaiyin’s fabulous attacking displays in the business end of the season.

Not only has Lalpekhlua’s reading of the game improved as the season progressed, his aggressive positioning has contributed to his all-round abilities and enhanced his goalscoring chances.

Substitutes: Laxmikant Kattimani, Raegan Singh, Souvik Chakraborty, Mehtab Hossain, Mandar Rao Dessai, Robin Singh, Mohammed Rafi.