Rahul Bheke – A key cog in Bengaluru FC’s ambitious run for ISL Cup

by Chittu Shetty March 31, 2025

As Bengaluru FC brought Rahul Bheke back in their ranks from Mumbai City FC last summer, they added a leadership figure with a history of delivering in the biggest moments to their squad.

Now, less than a season into his return, Bheke has reaffirmed his importance to the Blues, donning an important responsibility in taking them to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semi-finals. In addition to his defensive excellence, he has netted thrice already this season – his joint-best tally in a single ISL campaign, showing an ability to make impact on both ends of the field.

His latest goal, a match-winner against Chennaiyin FC which took Bengaluru FC into the top-six, was his fourth decisive strike for Bengaluru, putting him in elite company at the club. Only Sunil Chhetri (16), Miku (8), Javi Hernández (5), and Erik Paartalu (5) have scored more winning goals for the Blues. Simultaneously, Bheke’s composure and reliability at the back have been vital in laying the foundation of Bengaluru FC’s defensive framework, which reflects in the eight clean sheets they have kept thus far.

His passing accuracy of 85% in the on-going ISL campaign is poised to be his highest ever, highlighting his evolution into a more controlled, ball-playing defender – in sync with the team’s overall gameplay this season. With 1,060 completed passes, he has become a key figure in Bengaluru FC’s build-up play, dictating the tempo from the back.

“We worked hard to get the players we wanted”

Speaking about Bheke’s influence, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza laid it down to their plans in the summer transfer window, wherein they roped in other seasoned stars such as Alberto Noguera, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz into the roster. The tactician spoke positively about the positive effects that the senior players  have on youngsters in the club.

“We have 5-6 youngsters who are training really well and all of them have a chance to perform well. To train the whole season with people like Rahul Bheke and Sunil Chhetri makes youngsters very confident. Young players should see it as an opportunity to show their potential and take their chances like Vinith (Venkatesh) did,” Zaragoza said.

“We want to be at the top of our game”

Bheke himself remains focused on the team’s goals, focusing on collective success, while opening up about the newer role he has undertaken for the Blues at the heart of the backline. The 34-year-old has averaged 53 passes per game, winning 18 tackles, 40 aerial duels, rounding off 78 recoveries and 99 clearances too.

“We want to recover well, be at the top of our game and ready for the upcoming matches. Personally, regardless of any opposition, my task is to do my job to perfection and get the three points for my team,” Bheke highlighted his plans heading into the semi-finals.

Having returned to the club where he once etched his name into history, scoring the iconic header against FC Goa that won Bengaluru FC their first ISL title in 2018-19, Bheke’s success this year is a testament to his consistency and adaptability. With the Blues hosting the Gaurs in the semi-final first leg on April 2, Bheke will eye rising to the occasion again, this time at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

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