With Churchill Brothers (26 points), Mohun Bagan (24) and East Bengal (23) snapping at the heels of leaders Dempo (27) we are headed for a photo finish. In earlier seasons the title has been often decided on the final day, either on points or goal difference (as in 2007-08 when Dempo pipped Churchill Brothers to the post).

For a change both the Kolkata majors are in the hunt, compared to previous seasons when either or both started poorly and put themselves out of contention at an early stage or sometimes even flirted with relegation.

It’s been a topsy-turvy tournament so far with the storied clubs stuttering on occasions – Dempo’s three-match losing spree is a case in point – against minnows, and upsets being the order of the day.

With Mahindra United and JCT not on the pitch, the title race has been now reduced to a straight Goa vs Kolkata contest. Ambitious Pune FC, who had a top-three finish in their debut year (2009-10), are trailing by a mile after yet another poor start due to injury problems (striker Mandjou Keita has belatedly joined the contest while India shot-stopper Subrata Paul is still sidelined). Dark horses Prayag United too have faded out after a bright start and will find it difficult to play catch up.

Impressive Air India

Most surprisingly, youthful Air India, playing adventurous football, are placed fifth with 19 points, ahead of much richer rivals (in terms of finances and quality of players), having scalped redoubtable Dempo, Salgaocar and Sporting Clube de Goa among their six wins. The ‘pilots’ are the surprise package of the tournament with the likes of Manandeep Singh, Sandeep Gadkari and Colin Abranches making their mark. If financially embattled Air India manage to make a safe landing, coach Santosh Kashyap’s career graph could take an interesting turn.

The defending champions have been the most disappointing and it is surprising how India coach Karim Bencherifa’s fortunes have withered away especially after back-to-back triumphs in the I-League and Federation Cup. The lucky win against East Bengal in the 12th round could however help them climb up the ladder.

East Bengal, who led intermittently last season and looked headed for the title, have generally been the most impressive all-round team, with currently the best defender (Uga Olpara), best midfielder (Penn Orji)and an incisive forward (Tolgay Ozbey) in their ranks. But their outings in the AFC Cup will detract from their league campaign, a distraction which will be to the advantage of their immediate rivals who do not have such extra commitments.

Dempo miss Beto’s services

Dempo have been deprived of their cutting edge due to the departure of their inspirational playmaker Beto who is yet to assume the status of midfield general at Churchill Brothers. To be fair to him, he has just resumed operations after an injury layoff. Still, ‘les blues’ have enough quality all around the park to mount an effective challenge for the title. And the Alemao-owned family club, with a good combination of foreign and Indian shooters, has shown the ability to rattle up big scores against small teams.

Mohun Bagan’s fortunes will depend on the continued fitness of their stars (the nearly Rs 2 crore signing of Odafa Okolie and almost Rs 1 crore of Sunil Chhetri) and playmakers Jose Barreto and Hudson Lima, while hoping their suspect defence, which has conceded the most from among the four contending teams so far, does not leak more goals.

In fact, as the I-League enters its second leg and the injury woes of teams increase, it will come down to bench strength and the team with the best reserves will sneak through. Fitness and consistency will also be key concerns.

“As the top teams are dropping points, the title race is wide open, more so since there are 14 rounds to go,” Pune FC coach Derrick Perreira told www.sportskeeda.com. “Performance-wise, I would say that East Bengal have been the most impressive so far, Dempo too have been consistent while Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers have a better class of players.” The former international defender, the only person to have won the premier division both as player (with Salgaocar) and coach (with Mahindra United), lists his favourites for the title as Dempo, Churchill Brothers, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in that order with his own team, Salgaocar, and Prayag United in hot pursuit.

Marketing woes

While the footballing aspects of this I-League, which has produced its fair share of spills and thrills, have been largely satisfactory, the same cannot be said of its marketing. IMG-Reliance have been unable to rope in a title sponsor for the championship for the second year running, despite having a national broadcaster in place (Ten Action+) this time round.

Having contracted with the AIFF for a princely sum of Rs 700 crore over 15 seasons, IMG-Reliance have a tall task of turning their investment around over the next few years.

For that to happen the marketability factor of Indian football and the I-League will have to undergo a dizzy makeover. Hopefully, improving infrastructure and making football a family affair may improve things. Having city or regional-named outfits (like a Bangalore XI for example, instead of a HAL or ITI who have limited fan following) will help. Also, the team must be competing for top honours instead of fighting to save relegation which will change the dynamics of local support. Easier said than done. A lot more will have to happen before the I-League becomes a big fixture on the national sports calendar

The clubs have now been allowed to do some promotional activity at their home games and have partially succeeded in this initiative which will help mitigate a small part of their considerable expenses. Unlike in Europe, where clubs mint money from sponsorships, telecast fees, gate receipts, merchandising etc., these revenues are absent in substantial measure in India. And with player salaries and other expenses going through the roof – for example, Dempo’s overall budget is around Rs 14 crore a year – how long will the corporate clubs continue to play the game?

The game, however, goes on…

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