India, Aug. 7 -- One day after Jamshedpur FC pulled out of the Indian Super League (ISL), Mohun Bagan Super Giant announced another big ticket, long-term signing: Lallianzuala Chhangte. One club was spending millions to add depth to their roster for a competition the other had exited. Jamshedpur FC saying they would disband while participating in the Durand Cup, the 2026-27 season-opener, and after unwavering commitment to the ISL added to the confusing, if not conflicting, messaging.

It is ironic that the club signed off when a cadet of the 39-year-old Tata Football Academy (TFA), which has produced nearly 150 internationals, is the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). In another century under Kalyan Chaubey's captainc...