Similar to the Indian T20 League, which began in 2008 and revolutionised how the world perceived cricket, the Indian Super League (ISL), which saw its inaugural season in 2014, has changed how sports fans appraise Indian football in recent times.
The two domestic leagues, which are much celebrated by both sets of fans, have seen some uncanny resemblances over the years if you take a look at historical data or stats. Here we delve on some pointers where we believe your favourite ISL clubs resemble their Indian T20 League counterparts.
THE SERIAL WINNERS
Both these teams have been the most successful ones in their respective league. Yes, you guessed it right! We’re talking about ATK FC in the ISL and Mumbai in the Indian T20 League. ATK have managed to lift the ISL trophy on three occasions out of six, while Mumbai have lifted the title a record four times.
Both will be defending champions coming into the next season and will be favourites to retain their titles. Another unique fact is that both these cities have a rich history of their respective sports. Kolkata is known as the home of football in India whereas Mumbai has produced some of the best cricketers who have done the nation proud.
THE EPITOMES OF CONSISTENCY
It seems like any franchise hailing from the city of Chennai will have consistency ingrained in them from the very beginning. Chennaiyin FC have won the ISL trophy two times (2015 and 2017) and are the second-most successful team in the competition. Similarly, the Chennai franchise in the Indian T20 League have won the title three times making them the second-most successful team in their league. Surreal, right?
Chennaiyin have failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament only two times in six seasons, whereas Chennai have managed to reach the Indian T20 League knockouts every season. This shows the remarkable consistency of both the franchises in their respective spheres. When it comes to winning the matches which matter the most, both of them have always led the way.
THE ENTERTAINERS
FC Goa in the ISL and the Punjab franchise in the Indian T20 League have always brought a smile on the faces of fans. Both these clubs are known for their attacking prowess and for grabbing limelight of the competition. Unfortunately, neither of the teams have emerged as eventual winners of their respective tournaments and have had major heartbreaks in the knockout stage of the tournament after being flawless in the league stage.
Goa have been on the unfortunate end of two finals while Punjab have lost the one they were a part of. Nevertheless, both these teams play the sport in the right spirit and with elegance, managing to win hearts every time they are on the field.
THE BOTTLERS
These two teams have a mad fan following and are always the most fancied team at the start of the tournament. Yet, somehow, even with great players, coaches and fans, results have just not gone in their favour. They are none other than ISL’s Kerala Blasters FC and the Bangalore franchise of the Indian T20 League.
Kerala have lost two finals while Bangalore have gone one better and lost three. Both the franchises have never managed to get it over the line when it counts but as their fans always say, maybe the next year could be theirs.
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