ISL 2026-27: Young Indian players to watch this season, from Pramveer to Sanan

After a curtailed previous season, the 13th editon of the ISL marks the start of a new era under the club-ownership model. | Photo Credit: Durand Cup & NorthEast United/X

The Indian Super League returns after a curtailed previous season, with 13 teams set to compete in a fresh start for Indian football’s top flight. For the first time, the league will operate under a club-led model, following a season managed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The 2026-27 campaign also offers young Indian players a chance to make their mark as the national team enters a new FIFA cycle under head coach Khalid Jamil.

Here are the young Indian players to watch out for in ISL 2026-27:

Pramveer - NorthEast United

Indian defender Pramveer has been in the spotlight since becoming the youngest player to start an ISL match, aged 17 years and 189 days, for Punjab FC in the 2024-25 season.

He has since made 19 more league appearances and earned a call-up to the senior national team while still a teenager. He made his debut for the Blue Tigers against Tajikistan earlier this year and also featured against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in India’s recently concluded high-profile friendlies.

His maturity and “warrior mentality” at such a young age have earned praise from NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali. The Highlanders secured his services on a three-year deal ahead of the new season.

Soham Varshneya - Bengaluru FC

Soham Varshneya joined the BFC setup in early 2025. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Bengaluru FC fans have an exciting prospect to look forward to in midfielder Soham Varshneya. In 2023, he moved to Madrid, Spain, where he enrolled at DS Academy (now Siello Academy) and represented Pozuelo de Alarcón, CDA Navalcarnero and Racing Madrid during a two-year stint in southwestern Europe.

The 22-year-old joined Bengaluru FC in early 2025 and was named the B team’s Player of the Season for the 2024-25 campaign before earning a call-up to the senior squad.

He made eight league appearances last season, registering two assists, and has carried that promise into the new campaign. Varshneya set up Menno Koch’s winner against SC Delhi in Bengaluru FC’s season opener.

Abhishek Singh Tekcham - Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Abhishek Singh Tekcham attracted interest from East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and FC Goa when he was set to leave Punjab FC last year.

He eventually joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant and quickly established himself in a defence featuring the likes of Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke and Subhasish Bose, alongside foreign recruits. His aggressive approach and willingness to contribute in attack earned him a call-up to the national team under Manolo Márquez in March last year. He has since made seven appearances for India.

Perhaps his most notable performance in national colours came in the recent international friendly against Brazil in Kolkata, when Tekcham kept Vinícius Júnior quiet for 45 minutes. The Real Madrid forward finished without a goal or an assist as Brazil won 4-0.

Muhammad Suhail - Punjab FC

Muhammed Suhail F has been at Punjab FC since he was 13. | Photo Credit: Muhammad Suhail/Instagram

Muhammad Suhail may have turned 20 only last month, but the Punjab FC forward has already made 19 ISL appearances for the club. His tally could have been higher had a shoulder injury not ruled him out of the second half of last season.

Originally a centre-back at academy level, Suhail has evolved into a winger, using his dribbling ability to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities, often looking to finish moves himself.

His eye for goal was evident during India’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, where he scored twice and provided an assist in three matches. India narrowly missed out on qualification.

Suhail has been with Punjab FC since the age of 13, and his loyalty was rewarded with a four-year contract that keeps him at the club until 2029. With the previous campaign cut short, he will be eager to open his ISL goal account when the Shers begin their campaign against Odisha FC on Wednesday.

Mohammed Sanan - Kerala Blasters

Mohammed Sanan attracted Jamshedpur FC’s attention back in 2023 due to his performances in the Reliance Foundation Young Champs programme.

The 22-year-old forward went on to make 81 appearances for Jamshedpur in all competitions, recording 13 goals and four assists. He predominantly operates on the left wing, but can also feature on the opposite flank and in central attacking positions.

After Jamshedpur shut down senior team operations, Sanan chose to head back to his home State and join Kerala Blasters, signing a contract that keeps him at the club for three seasons. He impressed on debut against Inter Kashi, assisting Andre Green’s victory-sealing goal as the Blasters won 2-0.

He was handed an international debut by Jamil at the end of last year and has a total of five caps, including recent ones against Brazil and Uruguay.