Mumbai: Despite a disappointing start to heir campaign, Mohun Bagan are in second place in the table because of a splendid six-match unbeaten run.
However, the story of I-League hasn't just been about Bagan's redemption. It has been about Sporting Clube de Goa's success, Mahindra United's slump and Mumbai FCs dream start to the season. However, it is Bagan, led by Bhutia, who look unstoppable.
The Indian ace has teamed up brilliantly with Jose Ramirez Barreto and Pachau Lalam Puia to help his side overcome a slow start that saw his team going win-less in their first five matches.
On the other hand, Sporting Clube have shown that it does not take big names to win games in the league and a consistent run of positive results has seen them build a four-point gap at the top. "All the players on my team are stars and they have proved it with their performance," said Sporting coach Vishwas Gaonkar. "The last season wasn't quite good for us and we weren't expected to do so well this season. The only thing we have done different is that we've showed consistency," he added.
And that has been the key. Big names like Dempo, JCT, East Bengal and Churchilll Brothers have struggled to perform consistently. The month-and-a-half long break from the league will help them regroup and get ready for tougher times ahead.
