Indian Super League Season 12 Begins Following Turbulent Off-Season

Just when it seemed Indian football might take the year off, the Indian Super League has returned—though the journey to kickoff has been anything but smooth.

Jamshedpur FC's manager Owen Coyle captured the situation perfectly, explaining his squad is compressing six weeks of pre-season work into a mere three-week window. This compressed timeline reflects the reality facing most ISL clubs as they prepare for action.

Unbalanced Preparation Creates Competitive Questions

The level of readiness varies dramatically across the league. Inter Kashi still lack a confirmed home venue. Mohammedan Sporting enter the campaign without any international players on their roster. Odisha FC have barely trained or competed throughout the off-season.

In stark contrast, traditional powerhouses Mohun Bagan and East Bengal completed more than two months of structured training. This disparity in preparation could prove decisive in the early stages of the season, particularly when match fitness becomes a factor.

The league features four Indian head coaches this season—a scenario that seemed unlikely just months ago. Among them, Renedy Singh will guide Bengaluru FC, where he'll coach national team legend Sunil Chhetri, his former teammate.

Relegation Returns to Create High-Stakes Environment

Perhaps the biggest storyline: relegation is officially back. Antonio Lopez Habas, the league's most decorated manager, described the campaign as "a 13-match tournament" where the threat of demotion looms large.

Coyle, who previously coached in England's top flight, emphasized how relegation adds genuine tension. Teams cannot afford sluggish starts when every result carries amplified importance. Mohammedan Sporting, who finished at the bottom last season, enter with immediate pressure.

The season launches Saturday with two matches. Kerala Blasters travel to Kolkata to face defending champions Mohun Bagan, while FC Goa host Inter Kashi. Mohun Bagan appear better equipped on paper, having added defensive reinforcements Mehtab Singh and Amey Ranawade, plus replacing Greg Stewart with Robinho.

Six clubs have filled their maximum allotment of six foreign players. Kerala Blasters feature five international signings, all new additions. Building team cohesion quickly could prove challenging for such revamped squads.

The champions will claim ₹1.25 crore and qualification for Asian continental competition (with exceptions for banned Mohun Bagan and FC Goa, who already secured their spot through the Super Cup). After months of operational suspensions and wage cuts, simply reaching the starting line represents a significant achievement.