ISL 2022-23: Fans coming back to the stadium this season will have massive impact – Sunil Chhetri

Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri believes fans coming back to the stadium this season will have a massive impact on the players. It is well known that the fans are the heartbeat of every sport and their continuous support pushes the players to give their best.

The last two seasons of the Hero Indian Super League have been played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the fans will return for the upcoming season, which will begin on October 7 in Kochi.

“The fans will have a massive impact this season, especially for us. I think all the teams have struggled not playing with the fans not being able to be at the stadiums. But if there is one team that has struggled the most, by far, it is us. So we are thrilled that the fans are coming back this season and it is the best news for a team like us,” said Chhetri as quoted by IANS.

Meanwhile, Chhetri is looking forward to facing Kerala Blasters in their home den in Kochi. The Blues will face the Tuskers on December 11.

“I am looking forward to playing against Kerala Blasters away. Just to play at the stadium against all the fans is an experience,” the Bengaluru FC skipper said.

The veteran has scored 51 goals in the tournament, which is the highest for any Indian player.

Chhetri has been consistently delivering the goods for Bengaluru FC and had led the team to glory in the 2018-19 season.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC finished in sixth place with eight wins in 20 matches with a tally of 29 points in the previous season and thus could not qualify for the semifinal stages, and thus head coach Simon Grayson will be determined to turn the tables in the upcoming edition.