The big kick-off

After its debut last year, the star-studded Indian Super League is back. The author looks at what the new season has to offer

It's fair to say that the first season of Indian Super League (ISL) was a relative success. The tournament generated enough buzz - it was heavily publicised and promoted - and managed to gain a fair share of viewership in the stands as well as on television. As many as 429 million people (according to TAM data) watched the debut season of ISL on their TV screens. However, let's face it, the so-called marquee names that played in ISL last year mainly took part because of the fat pay cheques on offer. The first season's star names, which included Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka, were very much past their prime when they came here, but nevertheless added to the glam quotient of the league.

With the second season kicking off on October 3 when Chennaiyin FC take on Atletico de Kolkata, we take a look at who are the stars to watch out for, the must-see matches and how the teams are expected to fare. Is it still a league of pensioners and has-beens? Will there be new Indian stars who will set the stage on fire? And most importantly, will the impact of ISL do any good to Indian football?

International stars

Even though he is 42 years old and is the Delhi Dynamos manager-cum-marquee player, Roberto Carlos packs enough star quality. A marauding full back in his prime, Carlos won the World Cup with Brazil, the Champions League with Real Madrid and is best known for his thunderous left-footed free kicks. While he may not grace the pitch for too many minutes, just to see one of those free kicks hitting the back of the net will be a moment to remember. Delhi Dynamos' Florent Malouda is another foreign star to watch out for.

The biggest name to play in ISL this year has to be North East United's newest recruit, Simao Sabrosa. Simao, 36, has played for Barcelona and won the Europa League with Atletico Madrid in 2010. The Portuguese will certainly be a big draw in spite of losing the blistering pace he possessed in his prime.

Atletico de Kolkata, defending champions and one of the favourites for this year's title, have added Portuguese striker Helder Postiga to their ranks. Still young by ISL's marquee names' standards, the 33-year-old is a lethal finisher who will cause serious problems for defenders.

FC Pune's two star names, Adrian Mutu and Tuncay Sanli, bring in a lot of experience and guile to their forward line. Sanli in the number 10 role will be crucial to how Pune fare this season.

Homegrown heroes

With so much focus on the foreign stars, Indian players will have to do a fair bit to make their presence felt. One such player is 21-year-old Robin Singh, who will turn out for Delhi Dynamos. Singh is a talented forward and when given a chance, has the ability to score goals. But with other star names in the squad, breaking into the starting XI will be the key for him.

Chennaiyin's forward Jayesh Rane is another young player who will be looking to make an impact this season. Rane can play upfront as well as on the wing and his versatility will be useful for the team from the south. Thoi Singh, who was snapped up by Chennaiyin for Rs 86 lakh, will be another big draw. Hopefully, he will do justice to his big price tag.

FC Goa's Mandar Rao, a left-sided winger, is a fine crosser of the ball and is extremely pacey. He is certainly a player who will catch the eye of the fans.

India's star striker Sunil Chhetri was picked up at for a cool Rs 1.2 crore by Mumbai City FC and the team would be hoping his goals fire them to glory. WIth loads of star quality and an ardent fan following, the national skipper will be the biggest player to watch out for this year.

The contenders

Delhi Dynamos have certainly added a lot of experience to their ranks. Apart from Carlos and Malouda, John Arne Riise is the other big-match player in their squad. The former Liverpool and AS Roma left back has loads of experience and will bolster the Dynamos' defence.

Chennaiyin FC have a lot of pace and guile in their squad with players such as Elano and Bernard Mendy. Coached by former Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, Chennaiyin FC will certainly be a competitive outfit.

Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata have plugged the gaping holes in their defence from last season. Right back Rino Anto is their newest recruit, having spent Rs 90 lakh on him at the auction. Apart from Anto, Spaniard Josemi and local boy Arnab Mondal will be hoping to sort out the one area Kolkata lagged in last year. The other crucial signing they've made is that of Canadian forward Iain Hume, who was a revelation for Kerala Blasters last season. Hume and Postiga's goals could fire Kerala to the title this season.

Mumbai City FC would be hoping that Chhetri and Haitian striker Sony Norde will add goals to their team. Mumbai had a disappointing debut season but would be eager to rectify that this time around.

FC Goa have one of the strongest squads and are coached by the experienced Brazilian Zico. They have the perfect blend of youth and experience. Their marquee player, former Brazil captain Lucio, will add steel to their defence whereas Joaquim Abranches and Mandar Rao will give them pace upfront. Goa will be the team to beat this year.

Kerala Blasters have sold Hume but have acquired two key performers - Calvin Lobo and Mohammed Rafi - from Kolkata to strengthen their team. FC Pune could be the surprise package this year.
THE BIG GAMES

The opening game of ISL promises to be a blockbuster as Chennai take on Kolkata. Both teams would be eager to lay down a marker and set the tone for the tournament. Watch out for the games between Delhi and Kolkata, Mumbai and Goa, as both will have a lot of star power on show. Chennai and Pune's matches too will be crowd-pullers, as a host of foreign stars will be making their final appearances.