View source for 2017 18 Kerala Blasters FC season

{{Short description|4th season in existence of Kerala Blasters FC}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox football club season
  | club          = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
  | logo          = 
  | season        = 2017–18
  | manager       = [[René Meulensteen]]<br />{{nowrap|(until 3 January 2018)}}<br />[[David James (footballer, born 1970)|David James]]<br />{{nowrap|(from 3 January 2018)}}
  | mgrtitle      = Head Coach
  | chairman      = Varun Tripuraneni
  | chrtitle      = CEO
  | stadium       = {{nowrap|[[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]], [[Kochi]]}}
  | league        = [[Indian Super League|ISL]]
  | league result = [[2017–18 Indian Super League#League table|6th]]
  | cup1          = Play-offs
  | cup1 result   = ''DNQ''
  | cup2          = [[Super Cup (India)|Super Cup]]
  | cup2 result   = [[2018 Indian Super Cup|Round of 16]]
  | league topscorer   = [[Iain Hume]]<br/>(5 goals)
  | season topscorer   = [[Iain Hume]]<br/>(5 goals)
  | average attendance = 31,763
  | highest attendance = 37,986 vs. [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]]<br/>(31 December 2017)<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters 1-3 Bengaluru|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/19998-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc|website=Indian Super League|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150624/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/19998-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-bengaluru-fc|url-status=live}}</ref>
  | lowest attendance  = 16,796 vs. [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]]<br/>(27 January 2018)<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters 2-1 Delhi Dynamos|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/20020-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-delhi-dynamos-fc|website=Indian Super League|access-date=27 January 2018|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129004255/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/20020-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-delhi-dynamos-fc|url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- kit --><!--These kits are based on what the team has said is official. Several variations of these have been used on game day. Please do not edit these.-->
  | pattern_la1        = _blueborder
  | pattern_b1         = _thinbluesides
  | pattern_ra1        = _blueborder
  | pattern_sh1        = _bluebottom
  | pattern_so1        = _bluehorizontal
  | leftarm1           = FFFF00
  | body1              = FFFF00
  | rightarm1          = FFFF00
  | shorts1            = FFFF00
  | socks1             = FFFF00
  | pattern_la2        = _yellowborder
  | pattern_b2         = _thinyellowsides
  | pattern_ra2        = _yellowborder
  | pattern_so2        = _yellowtop
  | leftarm2           = 070719
  | body2              = 070719
  | rightarm2          = 070719
  | shorts2            = 070719
  | socks2             = 070719
  | prevseason = [[2016 Kerala Blasters FC season|2016]]
  | nextseason = [[2018–19 Kerala Blasters FC season|2018–19]]
}}
The '''2017–18 season''' was the [[List of Kerala Blasters FC seasons|fourth season]] in [[Kerala Blasters FC]]'s existence, as well as their fourth season in [[Indian Super League]]. The club finished the Indian Super League points table in the 6th place, thus missing out the play-offs. The Blasters also made their debut in the [[2018 Indian Super Cup|inaugural edition]] of [[Super Cup (India)|Super Cup]] during the season, being eliminated in the first round after losing against [[NEROCA F.C.|NEROCA]].

Following the departure of [[Steve Coppell]] to the new side [[Jamshedpur FC|Jamshedpur]], Kerala Blasters announced the signing of [[René Meulensteen]] as their new head coach on 14 July 2017. The club also participated in the [[2017–18 ISL Players Draft]], bringing in [[Rino Anto]], [[Milan Singh]], [[Arata Izumi]], [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]], and [[Jackichand Singh]]. Former Kerala Blasters forward [[Iain Hume]] rejoined the side in July while the club also signed former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] players [[Wes Brown]] and [[Dimitar Berbatov]] in the lead up to the season.

After only winning one match in their first seven games, Meulensteen was relieved of his duties on 3 January 2018. [[David James (footballer, born 1970)|David James]], the Blasters head coach during the [[2014 Kerala Blasters FC season|2014 season]], was brought in as the new head coach the same day.

==Background==
Kerala Blasters began their preparations for the 2017–18 season by bringing in former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] assistant coach [[René Meulensteen]] as the club's new head coach.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bharali|first=Abhijit|date=2017-07-14|title=ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters name Rene Meulensteen as head coach|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-name-rene-meulensteen-as-head-coach|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121122729/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-name-rene-meulensteen-as-head-coach|archive-date=21 November 2020|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}}</ref> The signing of Meulensteen came only two days after former head coach Steve Coppell announced that he would be leaving the club.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bharali|first=Abhijit|date=2017-07-12|title=ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters confirm Steve Coppell's exit|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-confirm-steve-coppell-exit|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120123919/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-confirm-steve-coppell-exit|archive-date=20 November 2020|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}}</ref> A couple of weeks later, on 23 July 2017, the Kerala Blasters participated in the [[2017–18 ISL Players Draft]]. Since the club had already retained the services of [[Sandesh Jhingan]], [[C.K. Vineeth]], and [[Prasanth Karuthadathkuni]], the Blasters would enter the draft in round three. For their first draft pick, the Kerala Blasters selected defender [[Rino Anto]]. Anto was already part of the Kerala Blasters the previous season, on loan from [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=200 plus Indian Players Vie for Ten ISL Clubs selection|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/200-plus-indian-players-vie-for-ten-isl-clubs-selection|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027181324/http://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/5587-200-plus-indian-players-vie-for-ten-isl-clubs-selection|archive-date=27 October 2017|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Indian Super League|language=en}}</ref> The club also selected [[India national football team|India]] internationals, [[Milan Singh]], [[Arata Izumi]], [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]], and [[Jackichand Singh]]. The club also selected defenders [[Lalruatthara]] and [[Lalthakima]], both of whom won the [[I-League]] in [[2016–17 I-League|2016–17]] with [[Aizawl]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017 player draft, as it happened: ATK, Jamshedpur FC and Pune strike big|url=https://scroll.in/field/844751/isl-2017-player-draft-as-it-happened-atk-jamshedpur-fc-and-pune-strike-big|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214170713/https://scroll.in/field/844751/isl-2017-player-draft-as-it-happened-atk-jamshedpur-fc-and-pune-strike-big|archive-date=14 February 2021|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>

The next day, on 24 July, the Kerala Blasters announced their first foreign signing of the season, [[Canada men's national soccer team|Canadian]] international and former Kerala Blasters player, [[Iain Hume]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 24, 2017|first1=Rayson P.|last=Tennyson|title=Iain Hume: ISL: Kerala Blasters sign Iain Hume|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/isl-kerala-blasters-sign-iain-hume/articleshow/59737201.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030132742/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/isl-kerala-blasters-sign-iain-hume/articleshow/59737201.cms|archive-date=30 October 2017|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Following the signing of Hume, the club made headlines when they signed former [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] defender [[Wes Brown]] on 15 August 2017, and another former Manchester United player, [[Dimitar Berbatov]], on 24 August.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-08-15|title=Former Manchester United defender Brown makes India move|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2017-08-15/former-manchester-united-defender-wes-brown-signs-for-indian-super-league-side-kerala-blasters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121062042/https://www.itv.com/news/2017-08-15/former-manchester-united-defender-wes-brown-signs-for-indian-super-league-side-kerala-blasters|archive-date=21 January 2021|access-date=2021-06-29|website=ITV News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-08-23|title=Dimitar Berbatov signed by Kerala Blasters|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3186720/isl-side-kerala-blasters-sign-dimitar-berbatov-on-one-year-contract|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819023550/https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3186720/isl-side-kerala-blasters-sign-dimitar-berbatov-on-one-year-contract|archive-date=19 August 2019|access-date=2021-06-29|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> "In terms of selection of players, we were looking at him for quite sometime," said Varun Tripuraneni, the Kerala Blasters CEO, "After Rene Meulensteen came on board, it became easier to get the deal done. Berbatov has been with Rene in Manchester United, so they share a comfort level and chemistry".<ref>{{Cite web|title=A big catch: Kerala Blasters sign former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov|url=https://scroll.in/field/848244/a-big-catch-kerala-blasters-sign-former-manchester-united-striker-dimitar-berbatov|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629131548/https://scroll.in/field/848244/a-big-catch-kerala-blasters-sign-former-manchester-united-striker-dimitar-berbatov|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>

Just a few days prior to the start of the season, Meulensteen named Jhingan as his club captain for the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters' Rene Meulensteen - Sandesh Jhingan And Nemanja Lakic-pesic Were Outstanding|url=http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-rene-meulensteen-sandesh-jhingan/1oi26860lxxdiz61zfk8ingtt|accessdate=23 November 2017|work=Goal.com|date=17 November 2017|archive-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121111026/http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-rene-meulensteen-sandesh-jhingan/1oi26860lxxdiz61zfk8ingtt|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Signings===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

====Indian draft====
{| class="wikitable" 
|-
! Round
! Position
! Player
|-
| 1
|rowspan=2 colspan=2 align=center|''No pick''
|-
| 2
|-
| 3
|{{sort|?|DF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Rino Anto]]
|-
| 4
|{{sort|?|DF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Lalruatthara]]
|-
| 5
|{{sort|?|MF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Milan Singh]]
|-
| 6
|{{sort|?|MF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Arata Izumi]]
|-
| 7
|{{sort|?|GK}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]]
|-
| 8
|{{sort|?|MF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Jackichand Singh]]
|-
| 9
|{{sort|?|MF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Siam Hanghal]]
|-
| 10
|{{sort|?|DF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Lalthakima]]
|-
| 11
|{{sort|?|DF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Pritam Kumar Singh]]
|-
| 12
|{{sort|?|DF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Samuel Shadap]]
|-
| 13
|{{sort|?|DF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Loken Meitei]]
|-
| 14
|{{sort|?|FW}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} [[Karan Sawhney]]
|-
| 15
|{{sort|?|MF}}
| {{flagicon|IND}} Ajith Sivan
|}
{{col-2}}

====Other signings====
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; text-align:left"
!scope="col"|Position
!scope="col"|Player
!scope="col"|Last club
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Ref
|-
|{{sort|?|FW}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Iain Hume]]
|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Extremadura UD|Extremadura]]
|24 July 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bharali|first=Abhijit|date=2017-07-09|title=ISL 2017: 5 foreign players who could join Kerala Blasters|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-5-foreign-players-who-could-join-kerala-blasters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629135159/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-5-foreign-players-who-could-join-kerala-blasters|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|DF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|GHA}} [[Courage Pekuson]]
|{{flagicon|SVN}} [[FC Koper]]
|10 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters sign Ghanaian attacking midfielder Courage Pekuson|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-sign-ghanaian-attacking-midfielder/wg5ze2lx92jz1bxk5xtngplpc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818184036/https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-sign-ghanaian-attacking-midfielder/wg5ze2lx92jz1bxk5xtngplpc|archive-date=18 August 2017|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|DF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Nemanja Lakić-Pešić]]
|{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Kapfenberger SV]]
|11 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters sign Serbian defender Nemanja Lakic-Pesic|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-sign-serbian-defender-nemanja-lakic/dilf5evxmgnn1dct2vuhxopam|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617165949/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-sign-serbian-defender-nemanja-lakic/dilf5evxmgnn1dct2vuhxopam|archive-date=17 June 2018|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|DF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wes Brown]]
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]
|15 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-08-15|title=Indian Super League: Kerala Blasters announce signing of former Manchester United defender Wes Brown|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/india-super-league-kerala-blasters-announce-signing-of-former-manchester-united-defender-wes-brown-3934133.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108004204/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/india-super-league-kerala-blasters-announce-signing-of-former-manchester-united-defender-wes-brown-3934133.html|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|GK}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paul Rachubka]]
|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bury F.C.|Bury]]
|19 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Manchester United connection grows at Kerala Blasters as Paul Rachubka signs|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10995206/manchester-united-connection-grows-at-kerala-blasters-as-paul-rachubka-signs|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217115247/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10995206/manchester-united-connection-grows-at-kerala-blasters-as-paul-rachubka-signs|archive-date=17 December 2018|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Sky Sports|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|FW}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Mark Sifneos]]
|{{flagicon|NED}} [[RKC Waalwijk]]
|20 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 21, 2017|first=Rayson P.|last=Tennyson|title=indian super league: Kerala Blasters sign Dutch youngster Mark Sifneos|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/kerala-blasters-sign-dutch-youngster-mark-sifneos/articleshow/60153195.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824191023/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/kerala-blasters-sign-dutch-youngster-mark-sifneos/articleshow/60153195.cms|archive-date=24 August 2017|access-date=2021-06-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|FW}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Dimitar Berbatov]]
|{{flagicon|GRE}} [[PAOK FC|PAOK]]
|23 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 23, 2017|agency=Reuters|title=Indian Super League: Kerala Blasters sign ex-Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/dimitar-berbatov-kerala-blasters-indian-super-league-1030998-2017-08-23|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629140051/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/dimitar-berbatov-kerala-blasters-indian-super-league-1030998-2017-08-23|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|GK}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sandip Nandy]]
|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Southern Samity]]
|31 August 2017
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017: Veteran goalkeeper Sandip Nandy seals return to Kerala Blasters|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-sandip-nandy-return/1rg6449q776lr1eex8g7sq923c|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629140337/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-sandip-nandy-return/1rg6449q776lr1eex8g7sq923c|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|DF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|IND}} Jishnu Balakrishnan
|''Free Agent''
|6 September 2017
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2017-09-29|title=Sahal Abdul Samad And Jishnu Balakrishnan|publisher=The Fan Garage|url=https://thefangarage.com/articles/12487-isl-2017hidden-gems-kerala-blasters-budding-talents-could-be-tomorrows-stars/4|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629195410/https://thefangarage.com/articles/12487-isl-2017hidden-gems-kerala-blasters-budding-talents-could-be-tomorrows-stars/4|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=thefangarage.com}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|MF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sahal Abdul Samad]]
|''Free Agent''
|6 September 2017
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|{{sort|?|MF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|UGA}} [[Kizito Keziron]]
|{{flagicon|KEN}} [[A.F.C. Leopards|Leopards]]
|3 January 2018
|<ref>{{Cite web|last=Naik|first=Abhishek|date=2017-12-30|title=ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters confirm signing of Ugandan midfielder Kizito Keziron|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-confirm-signing-of-ugandan-midfielder-kizito-keziron|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629195721/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-confirm-signing-of-ugandan-midfielder-kizito-keziron|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|FW}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|ISL}} [[Guðjón Baldvinsson]]
|{{flagicon|ISL}} [[Stjarnan]] (loan)
|26 January 2018
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017-18: Kerala Blasters sign Icelandic striker Gudjon Baldvinsson|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-gudjon-baldvinsson-iceland/18gzgxcunz6qv1nogqkkd1o8ud|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026151021/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-gudjon-baldvinsson-iceland/18gzgxcunz6qv1nogqkkd1o8ud|archive-date=26 October 2020|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|MF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Pulga (footballer)|Pulga]]
|{{flagicon|BOL}} [[Nacional Potosí]]
|1 February 2018
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pulga returns to Kerala Blasters|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/in-depth/indian-super-league-isl-4/isl-news/2018/02/02/kerala-blasters-victor-pulga.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629195939/https://www.onmanorama.com/in-depth/indian-super-league-isl-4/isl-news/2018/02/02/kerala-blasters-victor-pulga.html|archive-date=2021-06-29|access-date=2021-06-29|website=OnManorama}}</ref>
|-
|colspan="5" align=center|'''Left Club Midseason'''
|-
|{{sort|?|FW}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Mark Sifneos]]
|''Released''
|23 January 2018
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-26|title=ISL 2017-18: FC Goa announces signing of former Kerala Blasters FC striker Mark Sifneos|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-fc-goa-announces-signing-of-former-kerala-blasters-fc-striker-mark-sifneos-4321587.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108023239/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-fc-goa-announces-signing-of-former-kerala-blasters-fc-striker-mark-sifneos-4321587.html|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=2021-06-29|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
|-
|{{sort|?|MF}}
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|UGA}} [[Kizito Keziron]]
|''Injury Release''
|1 February 2018
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017-18: Kerala Blasters bring back Victor Pulga|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-bring-back-victor-pulga/1sl4r1wcdcwpk17j8owt7v8vyo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518195909/http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-bring-back-victor-pulga/1sl4r1wcdcwpk17j8owt7v8vyo|archive-date=18 May 2018|access-date=2021-06-29|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-end}}

==Pre-season==
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|10|11|df=y}}
|time =
|round = Friendly
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–0
|report = [http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-results-pre-season/urc47et2t7ij1ni6zkx53lj0o Report]
|team2 = {{flagicon|ESP}} Athletic de Coín
|goals1 = [[Courage Pekuson|Pekuson]] {{goal|59}}
|goals2 = 
|stadium = 
|location = [[Marbella]]
|attendance = 
|referee = 
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|10|18|df=y}}
|time =
|round = Friendly
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-results-pre-season/urc47et2t7ij1ni6zkx53lj0o Report]
|team2 = {{flagicon|ESP}}  [[Juventud de Torremolinos CF|Juventud de Torremolinos]]
|goals1 = [[Mark Sifneos|Sifneos]] {{goal|14}}
|goals2 = 
|stadium = 
|location = [[Marbella]]
|attendance = 
|referee = 
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|10|23|df=y}}
|time =
|round = Friendly
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 2–0
|report = [http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-results-pre-season/urc47et2t7ij1ni6zkx53lj0o Report]
|team2 ={{flagicon|ESP}} [[Real Balompédica Linense]]
|goals1 = [[Mark Sifneos|Sifneos]] {{goal|20}}[[Courage Pekuson|Pekuson]] {{goal|79}}
|goals2 = 
|stadium = 
|location = [[Marbella]]
|attendance = 
|referee = 
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|10|26|df=y}}
|time =
|round = Friendly
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 0–3
|report = [http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-results-pre-season/urc47et2t7ij1ni6zkx53lj0o Report]
|team2 ={{flagicon|ESP}} [[Marbella FC|Marbella]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = 
|stadium = 
|location = [[Marbella]]
|attendance = 
|referee = 
|result  = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|11|11|df=y}}
|time =
|round = Friendly
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 0–0
|report = [http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-results-pre-season/urc47et2t7ij1ni6zkx53lj0o Report]
|team2 = {{flagicon|IND}} [[Gokulam Kerala FC|Gokulam Kerala]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = 
|stadium = 
|location = [[Kerala]]
|attendance = 
|referee = 
|result  = D
}}

==Indian Super League==
{{main|2017–18 Indian Super League}}

The 2017–18 season of the [[Indian Super League]] sees 10 teams play 18 matches during the regular season; two against each other team, with one match at each club's stadium. Three points are awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams in the table qualify for the finals. The team in first will take on the team in fourth and the team in second will take on the team in third in two-legged ties. The winners of each tie will face off in the [[2018 Indian Super League final|final]] at the [[Salt Lake Stadium]] in [[Kolkata]] on 17 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-11-21|title=ISL 2017-18 full schedule: Here's the complete list of all the matches, venues and dates|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-full-schedule-heres-the-complete-list-of-all-the-matches-venues-and-dates-4221295.html|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Firstpost}}</ref>

The Kerala Blasters hosted [[ATK (football club)|ATK]] at the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]], in a rematch of last season's [[2016 Indian Super League final|final]], on the opening day of the season. Despite the match being billed as a "high-voltage clash amid an electric atmosphere", the match ended in a 0–0 draw.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala Blasters v ATK Match Preview, 17/11/17, Indian Super League|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/match/kerala-blasters-v-atk/preview/evvef8njj0kkacjiejbcdsh2i|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415004355/http://www.goal.com/en-in/match/kerala-blasters-v-atk/preview/evvef8njj0kkacjiejbcdsh2i|archive-date=15 April 2018|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.goal.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala Blasters v ATK Match Report, 17/11/2017, Indian Super League|url=https://www.goal.com/en/match/kerala-blasters-v-atk/evvef8njj0kkacjiejbcdsh2i|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119211244/https://www.goal.com/en/match/kerala-blasters-v-atk/evvef8njj0kkacjiejbcdsh2i|archive-date=19 January 2018|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.goal.com}}</ref> The same result would occur a week later in the Blasters' second match against the new entrants [[Jamshedpur FC|Jamshedpur]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-11-24|title=Highlights ISL 2017, Kerala Blasters FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Both teams stay winless and goalless after 2 matches|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-jamshedpur-fc-football-match-live-score-and-updates-4226443.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108024959/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-jamshedpur-fc-football-match-live-score-and-updates-4226443.html|archive-date=8 November 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Firstpost}}</ref>

Following these two draws, [[René Meulensteen]] stressed how it important it was for the club to start scoring goals. "The most important goal to score in a season is the first one, because the moment you score the first one, it will bring confidence.”<ref>{{Cite web|title=Highlights {{!}} Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City FC, ISL 2017-18: As it happened...|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/kerala-blasters-vs-mumbai-city-fc-isl-2017-18-live-score-live-streaming-football-updates/138399|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072218/http://www.timesnownews.com/sports/article/kerala-blasters-vs-mumbai-city-fc-isl-2017-18-live-score-live-streaming-football-updates/138399|archive-date=10 December 2017|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref> The first match of December was at home against [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]] on 3 December. The Blasters scored their first goal of the season in the 14th minute when [[Mark Sifneos]] scored from a cross from the wing. However, in the 77th minute, Mumbai City found an equalizer through [[Balwant Singh (footballer)|Balwant Singh]] and the match ended 1–1 - a third draw in a row at home.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-03|title=ISL 2017, Kerala Blasters vs Mumbai City: An enthralling contest ends in a 1-1 draw|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league/isl-2017-football-live-score-kerala-blasters-vs-mumbai-city-kerala-blasters-search-for-goals-to-continue-against-mumbai-city-fc-4966124/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701171005/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league/isl-2017-football-live-score-kerala-blasters-vs-mumbai-city-kerala-blasters-search-for-goals-to-continue-against-mumbai-city-fc-4966124/|archive-date=2021-07-01|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> After playing their first three matches of the season at home, the Kerala Blasters played their first away match of the season against [[FC Goa|Goa]] at the [[Fatorda Stadium]] on 9 December. A Mark Sifneos goal in the 7th minute saw the Blasters take an early lead before [[Manuel Lanzarote]] scored a brace for Goa to give the hosts a 2–1 lead. [[Jackichand Singh]] then scored an equalizer for Kerala to make it 2–2 before halftime. The second half would be different for the Kerala Blasters as they found themselves down 5–2 by the 54th minute. [[Ferran Corominas|Coro]], who had scored a hattrick the previous match for Goa against [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]], grabbed another hattrick to succumb Kerala Blasters to their first defeat of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-10|title=FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters: Goa thrash Kerala 5-2|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league/isl-2017-fc-goa-vs-kerala-blasters-live-football-score-streaming-4975559/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701171122/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league/isl-2017-fc-goa-vs-kerala-blasters-live-football-score-streaming-4975559/|archive-date=2021-07-01|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

The club responded very well from the defeat, earning their first victory of the season in the next match on 15 December against [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]]. [[C.K. Vineeth]], who returned from suspension, scored the only goal of the match in the 24th minute from a header which came from a [[Rino Anto]] cross.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United FC Post Match|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united-joao-pires-de/g4gag11w893g1mewj3w5ec8rq|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122183724/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2017-kerala-blasters-vs-northeast-united-joao-pires-de/g4gag11w893g1mewj3w5ec8rq|archive-date=22 January 2018|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.goal.com}}</ref> Seven days later, the club returned to the road in the Southern derby against [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]]. Despite [[Rene Mihelič]] scoring for the hosts in the 89th minute, C.K. Vineeth managed to equalize for the Kerala Blasters only five minutes later in stoppage time to give the Blasters a point.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ramakrishnan|first=Amrit|title=ISL: Blasters' Vineeth spoils Chennaiyin's party|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-blasters-vineeth-spoils-chennaiyins-party/article22261587.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130200607/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-blasters-vineeth-spoils-chennaiyins-party/article22261587.ece|archive-date=30 November 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Sportstar|language=en}}</ref>

The Kerala Blasters then ended the year with another 'Southern Derby" match against new expansion side [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]] at the Nehru Stadium. Meulensteen made several changes from the previous match against Chennaiyin, including dropping goalkeeper [[Paul Rachubka]] to the bench for Indian goalkeeper [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]]. [[Samuel Shadap]] also started at right back as replacement for the injured [[Rino Anto]]. C.K. Vineeth, who had been on form in the lead up to this match, was also dropped with no reason given and replaced with [[Iain Hume]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zenith|first=Nived|date=2017-12-31|title=ISL 2017, Match 36: Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC, Player Ratings|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-match-36-kerala-blasters-vs-bengaluru-fc-player-ratings|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121132508/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-2017-match-36-kerala-blasters-vs-bengaluru-fc-player-ratings|archive-date=21 November 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}}</ref> During the match, the Blasters managed to hold Bengaluru at 0–0 going into halftime. However, in the 60th minute, Blasters captain [[Sandesh Jhingan]] handled the ball in the penalty box after a cross from [[Udanta Singh]]. Bengaluru's [[Sunil Chhetri]] converted the ensuing penalty to give the away side the lead.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Miku's brace and Chhetri's penalty give Bengaluru bragging rights|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/mikus-brace-and-chhetris-penalty-give-bengaluru-bragging-rights|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118060341/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/mikus-brace-and-chhetris-penalty-give-bengaluru-bragging-rights|archive-date=18 November 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Indian Super League|language=en}}</ref> The Kerala Blasters proceeded to try to find the equalizer but three minutes into stoppage time [[Miku (footballer)|Miku]] found the net for Bengaluru to increase their lead and then he did it again only a minute later to make it 3–0. Despite the two late goals, [[Courage Pekuson]] managed to find time to grab a consolation goal for the Blasters in the 96th minute as they fell to their second defeat of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala Blasters v Bengaluru Match Report, 31/12/17, Indian Super League|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/match/kerala-blasters-v-bengaluru/eou4ervxdof4b2of8kux7sb56|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730171544/https://www.goal.com/en-in/match/kerala-blasters-v-bengaluru/eou4ervxdof4b2of8kux7sb56|archive-date=30 July 2018|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>

After the match, on 3 January 2018, it was announced that Meulensteen had been relieved of his duties as head coach of the club.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-02|title=ISL side Kerala Blasters FC confirm parting of ways with Rene Meulensteen|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-side-kerala-blasters-fc-confirm-parting-of-ways-with-rene-meulensteen/story-ZGW9xVpaIIwoIkaHNh2vxI.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030203742/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-side-kerala-blasters-fc-confirm-parting-of-ways-with-rene-meulensteen/story-ZGW9xVpaIIwoIkaHNh2vxI.html|archive-date=30 October 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> That same day, the Kerala Blasters announced that [[David James (footballer, born 1970)|David James]], the club's head coach during the [[2014 Kerala Blasters season|2014 season]], would return to the club.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 3, 2018|first=James|last=Kilpatrick|title=David James becomes head coach of ISL side Kerala Blasters|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/david-james-becomes-head-coach-isl-side-kerala-blasters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120060337/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/david-james-becomes-head-coach-isl-side-kerala-blasters|archive-date=20 November 2020|access-date=2021-07-01|website=fourfourtwo.com|language=en}}</ref> Also on that day, the club announced the signing of their eighth foreigner, midfielder [[Kizito Keziron]] from [[A.F.C. Leopards|Leopards]] in Kenya.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISL 2017-18: 'He is the 'dude'!' - Keziron Kizito fulfilling his dream at Kerala Blasters|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-keziron-kizito/56kltu48p96u1cd4suikohi49|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701173022/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-keziron-kizito/56kltu48p96u1cd4suikohi49|archive-date=2021-07-01|access-date=2021-07-01|website=www.goal.com}}</ref>

James' first match in charge of the Kerala Blasters was against second place [[FC Pune City|Pune City]] on 4 January 2018. His tenure in charge did not start well as the club found themselves 1–0 down at halftime through a [[Marcelo Leite Pereira|Marcelinho]] goal. However, during the second half of the match, the Blasters came alive with James bringing on new signing [[Kizito Keziron]] after the halftime interval and the Ugandan contributed to what would be the equalizer for the Kerala Blasters. He sent a through-ball over to [[Courage Pekuson]] who then squared the ball into the middle for [[Mark Sifneos]] to slot it home in the 73rd minute.<ref name="Pune Home">{{cite news|title=Marcelinho, Sifneos on target as Pune hold Kerala at home|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/marcelinho-sifneos-on-target-as-pune-hold-kerala-at-home|accessdate=4 January 2018|work=Indian Super League|date=4 January 2018|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105060511/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/marcelinho-sifneos-on-target-as-pune-hold-kerala-at-home|url-status=live}}</ref> The match would go on to end 1–1.<ref name="Pune Home"/>

After the match against Pune City, the Kerala Blasters started a three match run away from home. Their first match occurred on 10 January 2018 against last placed [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]]. [[Iain Hume]] opened the scoring for the Blasters in the 12th minute when he put in a squared ball from [[Courage Pekuson]]. Then, right before halftime, Delhi found an equalizer through fullback [[Pritam Kotal]]. Hume then scored his second of the night in the 78th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 83rd minute when he outmuscled and outpaced Delhi defender [[Rowilson Rodrigues]] and chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. The match finished 3–1 to the Kerala Blasters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters on fire as Iain Hume hat-trick sinks Delhi Dynamos 3-1|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league-2017-18/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-on-fire-as-iain-hume-hat-trick-sinks-delhi-dynamos-3-1-5019557/|accessdate=18 January 2018|work=Indian Express|date=10 January 2018|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118060851/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/indian-super-league-2017-18/isl-2017-18-kerala-blasters-on-fire-as-iain-hume-hat-trick-sinks-delhi-dynamos-3-1-5019557/|url-status=live}}</ref> The team then extended their winning run to two, after securing a 1–0 victory in their match away to [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]] on 14 January 2018. Iain Hume was once again the lone scorer for the Blasters as the Canadian found the net in the 23rd minute.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iain Hume strikes again as Kerala Blasters FC pip Mumbai City FC|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-iain-hume-strikes-again-as-kerala-blasters-fc-pip-mumbai-city-fc/story-AfVoGaWFFrE8HZika4qNBM.html|accessdate=18 January 2018|work=Hindustan Times|date=15 January 2018|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118120252/http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-iain-hume-strikes-again-as-kerala-blasters-fc-pip-mumbai-city-fc/story-AfVoGaWFFrE8HZika4qNBM.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Three days later, the Kerala Blasters played their final of three straight away matches against [[Jamshedpur FC|Jamshedpur]]. [[Paul Rachubka]] returned to the starting line-up while [[C.K. Vineeth]] also returned from injury. Despite the changes, the Kerala Blasters fell 2–1 to the new expansion side from [[Jharkhand]]. [[Jerry Mawihmingthanga]] opened the scoring for Jamshedpur in the very first minute when he converted what was a scuffed shot from teammate [[Ashim Biswas (footballer)|Ashim Biswas]]. Biswas then found the net himself 30 minutes later to extend Jamshedpur's lead. [[Mark Sifneos]] found a consolation goal for the Blasters three minutes into second half stoppage time but it was too late to save the match.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jamshedpur FC vs Kerala Blasters: Hosts end visitors' unbeaten run|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/indian-super-league-2017-18-live-football-score-and-updates-jamshedpur-fc-vs-kerala-blasters-hosts-look-to-end-visitors-unbeaten-run-4307401.html|accessdate=18 January 2018|work=FirstPost|date=17 January 2018|archive-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117203956/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/indian-super-league-2017-18-live-football-score-and-updates-jamshedpur-fc-vs-kerala-blasters-hosts-look-to-end-visitors-unbeaten-run-4307401.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Kerala Blasters returned home with a match against [[FC Goa|Goa]] on 21 January. David James decided to go with only four foreigners on the pitch for Kerala and it proved a bad choice only seven minutes into the match as [[Ferran Corominas|Coro]] found the net. However, 22 minutes later, [[C.K. Vineeth]] managed to find Kerala's equalizer after he exploited the space left by the Goan defenders in the middle. Despite that though, Goa once again took the lead in the 77th minute when [[Edu Bedia]] won the game for Goa, 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters 1-2 Goa|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/01/21/india/indian-super-league/kerala-blasters/india-fc-goa/2597797/|website=Soccerway|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122235043/https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/01/21/india/indian-super-league/kerala-blasters/india-fc-goa/2597797/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 January 2018, the Kerala Blasters took on bottom-placed [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]] at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Coming into the match, the Blasters had released Dutch striker [[Mark Sifneos]] and signed former [[Iceland national football team|Iceland international]] [[Guðjón Baldvinsson]] as a replacement.<ref name="Guo">{{cite web|title=Guðjón Baldvinsson to Kerala Blasters|url=https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/956792204978044929|website=Kerala Blasters FC (Twitter)|access-date=26 January 2018|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701172711/https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/956792204978044929|url-status=live}}</ref> David James once again sent out a side that played less than the 5 max foreigners allowed in the starting 11, with three taking the field. [[Kalu Uche]] gave the Delhi Dynamos the lead from the penalty spot in the 35th minute after [[Prasanth Karuthadathkuni]] brought Dynamos' [[Seityasen Singh]] down in the box. At halftime, James took off [[Karan Sawhney]] and brought on 19-year old [[Deependra Negi]] for his professional debut and three minutes into the second half the former [[India national under-17 football team|India U17]] captain scored the equalizer for the Kerala Blasters from a corner. Negi then contributed to the Blasters' second goal when he drew a penalty while running into the box. Iain Hume scored the ensuing spot kick as the Kerala Blasters went on to win 2–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=Deependra Singh Negi gives Kerala Blasters crucial win vs Delhi Dynamos FC|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-2018-deependra-singh-negi-gives-kerala-blasters-crucial-win-vs-delhi-dynamos-fc/story-iehgK6ZVBkT5nD7Gtb07xK.html|accessdate=27 January 2018|work=Hindustan Times|date=27 January 2018|archive-date=27 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127174135/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-2018-deependra-singh-negi-gives-kerala-blasters-crucial-win-vs-delhi-dynamos-fc/story-iehgK6ZVBkT5nD7Gtb07xK.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 February 2018, the Kerala Blasters played their first match of the last full month of the season against [[FC Pune City|Pune City]] at the Balewadi Stadium. Despite having the most chances in the first half, it took until the 58th minute for the Blasters to take the lead through [[Jackichand Singh]]. [[Emiliano Alfaro]] then equalized for Pune City in the 78th minute before [[C.K. Vineeth]] found the winner for the Kerala Blasters three minutes into stoppage time for them to win 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pune City 1-2 Kerala Blasters|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/02/02/india/indian-super-league/pune-city/kerala-blasters/2597806/?ICID=PL_MS_08|website=Soccerway|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-date=3 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064620/https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/02/02/india/indian-super-league/pune-city/kerala-blasters/2597806/?ICID=PL_MS_08|url-status=live}}</ref> Six days later, the club traveled to Kolkata to take on [[ATK (football club)|ATK]]. Despite [[Guðjón Baldvinsson]] and [[Dimitar Berbatov]] scoring their first goals for the club, both times giving the team the lead, the Blasters conceded twice to draw the match 2–2.<ref>{{cite web|title=ATK 2-2 Kerala Blasters|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/02/08/india/indian-super-league/atletico-de-kolkata/kerala-blasters/2597744/|website=Soccerway|access-date=16 February 2018|archive-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216205152/https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/02/08/india/indian-super-league/atletico-de-kolkata/kerala-blasters/2597744/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Kerala Blasters then ended their three-game away run with a victory against [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] on 17 February 2018 at the [[Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium]]. [[Wes Brown]] scored the winner for the club in the 28th minute to keep the Blasters hopes of qualification alive.<ref>{{cite web|title=NorthEast United 0-1 Kerala Blasters|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/02/17/india/indian-super-league/northeast-united/kerala-blasters/2597819/|website=Soccerway|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218041011/https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/02/17/india/indian-super-league/northeast-united/kerala-blasters/2597819/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 February, the Blasters played their final home match of the season against Southern rivals [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]]. Neither side could find the net in the 0–0 draw as the Blasters' chance of qualification for the finals suffered a massive blow.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennaiyin FC inch closer to semi-final spot after holding Kerala Blasters to goalless draw|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-chennaiyin-fc-inch-closer-to-semi-final-spot-after-holding-kerala-blasters-to-goalless-draw-4364729.html|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=FirstPost|date=24 February 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313095553/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-chennaiyin-fc-inch-closer-to-semi-final-spot-after-holding-kerala-blasters-to-goalless-draw-4364729.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Blasters then ended their season on 1 March 2018 away from home against [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]]. Despite managing to hold on throughout the match, Bengaluru managed to come out as 2–0 winners with stoppage time goals coming from [[Miku (footballer)|Miku]] and [[Udanta Singh]]. This meant that the Blasters had failed to qualify for the finals for the second time in their history.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bengaluru FC end Kerala Blasters' semi-final hopes with two late goals|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-bengaluru-fc-end-kerala-blasters-semi-final-hopes-with-two-late-goals-4372769.html|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=FirstPost|date=1 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313095509/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/isl-2017-18-bengaluru-fc-end-kerala-blasters-semi-final-hopes-with-two-late-goals-4372769.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|11|17|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 1
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 0–0
|report = [http://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/kerala-and-atk-play-out-goalless-draw-in-hero-isl-opener Report]
|team2 = [[ATK (football club)|ATK]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = 
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 37,462
|referee = Aurélien Juenkou
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|11|24|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 2
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 0–0
|report = [http://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/rachubka-to-the-rescue-as-kerala-hold-jamshedpur-for-another-goalless-draw Report]
|team2 = [[Jamshedpur FC|Jamshedpur]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = 
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 36,752
|referee = Ranjit Bakshi
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|12|3|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 3
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–1
|report = [http://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/kerala-mumbai-share-spoils-after-end-to-end-encounter Report]
|team2 = [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]]
|goals1 = [[Mark Sifneos|Sifneos]] {{goal|14}}
|goals2 = [[Balwant Singh (footballer)|B. Singh]] {{goal|77}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 35,392
|referee = R Venkatesh
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|12|9|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 4
|team1 = [[FC Goa|Goa]]
|score = 5–2
|report = [http://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/kerala-undone-by-spanish-magic-as-goa-hit-them-for-five Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Manuel Lanzarote|Lanzarote]] {{goal|9||18}}<br/>[[Ferran Corominas|Coro]] {{goal|47||51||54}}
|goals2 = [[Mark Sifneos|Sifneos]] {{goal|7}}<br/>[[Jackichand Singh|J. Singh]] {{goal|30}}
|stadium = [[Fatorda Stadium]]
|location = [[Margao]]
|attendance = 18,482
|referee = [[C. R. Srikrishna]]
|result  = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|12|15|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 5
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–0
|report = [http://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/local-boy-vineeth-secures-keralas-first-win Report]
|team2 = [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]]
|goals1 = [[C.K. Vineeth|Vineeth]] {{goal|24}}
|goals2 = 
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 33,868
|referee = [[Rowan Arumughan]]
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|12|22|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 6
|team1 = [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]]
|score = 1–1
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/vineeth-cancels-mihelics-penalty-to-rescue-point-for-kerala Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[C.K. Vineeth|Vineeth]] {{goal|90+4}}
|goals2 = [[Rene Mihelič]] {{goal|89|pen.}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Chennai]]
|attendance = 16,754
|referee = [[Pranjal Banerjee]]
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2017|12|31|df=y}}
|time = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 7
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–3
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/mikus-brace-and-chhetris-penalty-give-bengaluru-bragging-rights Report]
|team2 = [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]]
|goals1 = [[Courage Pekuson|Pekuson]] {{goal|90+6}}
|goals2 = [[Sunil Chhetri|Chhetri]] {{goal|60|pen}}<br/>[[Miku (footballer)|Miku]] {{goal|90+3||90+4}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 37,986
|referee = R Venkatesh
|result  = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|1|4|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 8
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–1
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/marcelinho-sifneos-on-target-as-pune-hold-kerala-at-home Report]
|team2 = [[FC Pune City|Pune City]]
|goals1 = [[Mark Sifneos|Sifneos]] {{goal|73}}
|goals2 = [[Marcelo Leite Pereira|Marcelinho]] {{goal|33}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 26,586
|referee = R. Venkatesh
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|1|10|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 9
|team1 = [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]]
|score = 1–3
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/humes-hat-trick-inspires-kerala-to-victory-over-delhi Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Pritam Kotal|Kotal]] {{goal|44}}
|goals2 = [[Iain Hume|Hume]] {{goal|12||78||83}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Delhi]]
|attendance = 10,132
|referee = Tejas Nagvenkar
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|1|14|df=y}}
|time = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 10
|team1 = [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]]
|score = 0–1
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/humes-first-half-winner-helps-kerala-beat-mumbai Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = [[Iain Hume|Hume]] {{goal|23}}
|stadium = [[Mumbai Football Arena]]
|location = [[Mumbai]]
|attendance = 8,597
|referee = Pranjal Banerjee
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|1|17|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 11
|team1 = [[Jamshedpur FC|Jamshedpur]]
|score = 2–1
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/jerry-biswas-combine-to-secure-jamshedpurs-first-win-at-home Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Jerry Mawihmingthanga|Mawihmingthanga]] {{goal|1}}<br/>[[Ashim Biswas (footballer)|Biswas]] {{goal|31}}
|goals2 = [[Mark Sifneos|Sifneos]] {{goal|90+3}}
|stadium = [[JRD Tata Sports Complex]]
|location = [[Jamshedpur]]
|attendance = 21,240
|referee = Raul Gupta
|result  = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|1|21|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 12
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 1–2
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/bedia-nets-winner-as-goa-complete-double-over-kerala Report]
|team2 = [[FC Goa|Goa]]
|goals1 = [[C.K. Vineeth|Vineeth]] {{goal|29}}
|goals2 = [[Ferran Corominas|Coro]] {{goal|7}}<br/>[[Edu Bedia|Bedia]] {{goal|77}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 29,769
|referee = Raul Gupta
|result  = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|1|27|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 13
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 2–1
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/kerala-down-delhi-after-falling-behind Report]
|team2 = [[Delhi Dynamos FC|Delhi Dynamos]]
|goals1 = [[Deependra Negi|Negi]] {{goal|48}}<br/>[[Iain Hume|Hume]] {{goal|75|pen}}
|goals2 = [[Kalu Uche|Uche]] {{goal|35|pen}}
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 16,796
|referee = Ranjit Bakshi
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|2|2|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 14
|team1 = [[FC Pune City|Pune City]]
|score = 1–2
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/kerala-leave-it-late-to-edge-past-stallions Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Emiliano Alfaro|Alfaro]] {{goal|78|pen}}
|goals2 = [[Jackichand Singh|J. Singh]] {{goal|58}}<br/>[[C.K. Vineeth|Vineeth]] {{goal|90+3}}
|stadium = Balewadi Stadium
|location = [[Pune]]
|attendance = 9,463
|referee = [[Pranjal Banerjee]]
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|2|9|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 15
|team1 = [[ATK (football club)|ATK]]
|score = 2–2
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/498-kerala-blasters-fc-profile/news/kerala-squander-lead-twice-as-atk-snatch-a-point Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Ryan Taylor (footballer, born 1984)|Taylor]] {{goal|38}}<br/>[[Tom Thorpe|Thorpe]] {{goal|75}}
|goals2 = [[Guðjón Baldvinsson|Baldvinsson]] {{goal|33}}<br/>[[Dimitar Berbatov|Berbatov]] {{goal|55}}
|stadium = [[Salt Lake Stadium]]
|location = [[Kolkata]]
|attendance = 4,292
|referee = R Venkatesh
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|2|17|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 16
|team1 = [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]]
|score = 0–1
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/browns-winner-keeps-keralas-playoff-hopes-alive Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = [[Wes Brown|Brown]] {{goal|28}}
|stadium = [[Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium]]
|location = [[Guwahati]]
|attendance = 1,212
|referee = Tejas Nagvenkar
|result  = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|2|23|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 17
|team1 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score = 0–0
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/498-kerala-blasters-fc-profile/news/thrilling-southern-derby-in-kochi-ends-goalless Report]
|team2 = [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]]
|goals1 = 
|goals2 = 
|stadium = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|location = [[Kochi]]
|attendance = 31,259
|referee = [[Matthew Conger]]
|result  = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|3|1|df=y}}
|time = 20:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|round = 18
|team1 = [[Bengaluru FC|Bengaluru]]
|score = 2–0
|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/498-kerala-blasters-fc-profile/news/miku-udanta-inflict-injury-time-blues-on-kerala Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Miku (footballer)|Miku]] {{goal|90+1}}<br/>[[Udanta Singh|U. Singh]] {{goal|90+3}}
|goals2 = 
|stadium = [[Sree Kanteerava Stadium]]
|location = [[Bangalore]]
|attendance = 25,373
|referee = Pranjal Banerjee
|result  = L
}}

===Table===
{{:2017–18 Indian Super League|showteam=KER}}

===Results summary===
{{Fb_rs |hw=2 |hd=6 |hl=2 |hgf=7 |hga=8 |aw=4 |ad=1 |al=3 |agf=13 |aga=14 }}
{{Fb_rs_footer |u=1 March 2018|s=http://www.indiansuperleague.com/isl-2017/schedule-fixtures |date=November 2017}}

==Super Cup==
{{main|2018 Indian Super Cup}}

The Super Cup is a [[Single-elimination tournament|knockout]] [[association football|football]] competition in India. The [[2018 Indian Super Cup|2018 edition]] was the first ever tournament. The competition  only featured teams from both the [[Indian Super League]] and the [[I-League]], India's two top-tier football leagues.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news|title=Inaugural Super Cup's final round from Mar 31-Apr 22: AIFF|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/inaugural-super-cups-final-round-from-mar-31-apr-22-aiff/articleshow/62985550.cms|accessdate=22 February 2018|work=Times of India|date=19 February 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220143616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/inaugural-super-cups-final-round-from-mar-31-apr-22-aiff/articleshow/62985550.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> As the Kerala Blasters finished in sixth place during the [[2017–18 Indian Super League|2017–18 ISL season]], they entered  the main competition directly which was hosted at the [[Kalinga Stadium]] in [[Bhubaneswar]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Final round of Super Cup to start from March 31|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/final-round-of-super-cup-to-start-from-march-31-118031201074_1.html|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=Business Standard|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312183504/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/final-round-of-super-cup-to-start-from-march-31-118031201074_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Kerala Blasters were drawn to face [[NEROCA F.C.|NEROCA]] on 6 April 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ganguly|first1=Abhishek|title=Mohun Bagan face either Delhi Dynamos or Churchill Brothers in Super Cup|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/mohun-bagan-face-either-delhi-dynamos-or-churchill-brothers-in-super-cup/articleshow/63273618.cms|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=Times of India|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313134430/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/mohun-bagan-face-either-delhi-dynamos-or-churchill-brothers-in-super-cup/articleshow/63273618.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> NEROCA had finished 2nd in the [[2017–18 I-League]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Neroca hold East Bengal, finish second in maiden I-League season|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/neroca-hold-east-bengal-finish-second-in-maiden-i-league-season/articleshow/63220157.cms|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=Times of India|date=8 March 2018|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807001555/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/neroca-hold-east-bengal-finish-second-in-maiden-i-league-season/articleshow/63220157.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the match, the Blasters were eliminated by

losi for ng 3–2.<ref name="SC">{{cite news|title=Kerala Blasters lose to NEROCA|url=http://www.supercup.in/news/kerala-blasters-stunned-by-nerocas-12-minute-rampage|accessdate=12 May 2018|work=Super Cup|date=6 April 2018|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513080444/http://www.supercup.in/news/kerala-blasters-stunned-by-nerocas-12-minute-rampage|url-status=live}}</ref> Goals for NEROCA were scored by [[Jean-Michel Joachim]], [[Aryn Williams]], and [[Felix Chidi Odili]] while Kerala Blasters found the net through [[Pulga (footballer)|Pulga]] and [[Prasanth Karuthadathkuni]].<ref name="SC" />

{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2018|4|6|df=y}}
|time = 
|round = First round
|team1 = [[NEROCA F.C.|NEROCA]]
|score = 3–2
|report = [http://www.supercup.in/news/kerala-blasters-stunned-by-nerocas-12-minute-rampage Report]
|team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|goals1 = [[Jean-Michel Joachim|Joachim]] {{goal|68}}<br/>[[Aryn Williams|Williams]] {{goal|79}}<br/>[[Felix Chidi Odili|Odili]] {{goal|81|pen.}}
|goals2 = [[Pulga (footballer)|Pulga]] {{goal|11}}<br/>[[Prasanth Karuthadathkuni|Karuthadathkuni]] {{goal|49}}
|stadium = [[Kalinga Stadium]]
|location = [[Bhubaneswar]]
|attendance = 1,865
|referee = [[Pranjal Banerjee]]
|result  = L
}}

==Player statistics==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:50%; text-align:center;"
|+ style="background:#FFFFFFF; border-top:#FFFF00 5px solid; border-bottom:#1047AB 5px solid;"| Season stats
|- 
! rowspan="2"|#
! rowspan="2"|Position
! rowspan="2"|Player
! colspan="4"|League
! colspan="4"|Cup
! colspan="4"|Total
|-
! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|G|Goals}} !![[File:Yellow card.svg|13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card]] !![[File:Red card.svg|13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card]] !! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|G|Goals}} !![[File:Yellow card.svg|13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card]] !![[File:Red card.svg|13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card]] !! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|G|Goals}} !![[File:Yellow card.svg|13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card]] !![[File:Red card.svg|13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card]]
|-
| 1 || GK ||align="left"|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paul Rachubka]] || 11(1) || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''12(1)''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 4 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Nemanja Lakić-Pešić]] || 9(3) || 0 || 7 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''10(3)''' || '''0''' || '''7''' || '''0'''
|-
| 6 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wes Brown]] || 14 || 1 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''15''' || '''1''' || '''3''' || '''0'''
|-
| 7 || FW ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Karan Sawhney]] || 2(2) || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''2(2)''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 8 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Arun c francis]] || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 9 || FW ||align="left"|{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Dimitar Berbatov]] || 8(1) || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''8(1)''' || '''1''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 10 || FW ||align="left"|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Iain Hume]] || 10(3) || 5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''10(3)''' || '''5''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 11 || FW ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Prasanth Karuthadathkuni]] || 4(6) || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 ||0 || '''5(6)''' || '''1''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 12 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Milan Singh]] || 9(6) || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''10(6)''' || '''0''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 13 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[C.K. Vineeth]] || 13 (1) || 4 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''14(1)''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 14 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Loken Meitei]] || 1(5) || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0(1) || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''1(6)''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 15 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Deependra Negi]] || 1(2) || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0(1) || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''1(3)''' || '''1''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 16 || FW ||align="left"|{{flagicon|ISL}} [[Guðjón Baldvinsson]] || 4(2) || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''4(2)''' || '''1''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 18 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sahal Abdul Samad]] || 0(2) || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0(2)''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 19 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Siam Hanghal]] || 6(2) || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''6(2)''' || '''0''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 20 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Jackichand Singh]] || 16(1) || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''16(1)''' || '''2''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 21 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sandesh Jhingan]] || 17 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''18''' || '''0''' || '''4''' || '''0'''
|-
| 22 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} Jishnu Balakrishnan || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 23 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Pritam Kumar Singh]] || 0 (1) || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0(1)''' || '''0''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 24 || GK ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sandip Nandy]] || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 25 || GK ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} Sujith Sasikumar || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 27 || GK ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]] || 7 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''7''' || '''0''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 28 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Samuel Shadap]] || 2(2) || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''2(2)''' || '''0''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
| 31 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Rino Anto]] || 13 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0(1) || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''13(1)''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 32 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Lalthakima]] || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 36 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} Ajith Sivan || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 39 || DF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Lalruatthara]] || 17 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''18''' || '''0''' || '''4''' || '''0'''
|-
| 85 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Pulga (footballer)|Pulga]] || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 0 ||0 || '''2''' || '''1''' || '''0''' || '''0'''
|-
| 99 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|GHA}} [[Courage Pekuson]] || 17 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 ||0 || '''18''' || '''1''' || '''1''' || '''0'''
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''Left Club Midseason'''
|-
| 29 || FW ||align="left"|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Mark Sifneos]] || 7 (5) || 4 || 1 || 0
|-
| 17 || MF ||align="left"|{{flagicon|UGA}} [[Kizito Keziron]] || 3 (1) || 0 || 0 || 0
|}

===Goalscorers===
{{updated|6 April 2018}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!style="width:56px;"|Rank
!style="width:64px;"|Position
!style="width:200px;"|Name
!style="width:150px;"|Indian Super League
!style="width:150px;"|Indian Super Cup
!style="width:84px;"|Total
|-
|rowspan=1|1
|FW
|align=left|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Iain Hume]]
|5
|0
!5
|-
|rowspan=2|2
|FW
|align=left|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Mark Sifneos]]
|4
|0
!4
|-
|MF
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} [[C.K. Vineeth]]
|4
|0
!4
|-
|rowspan=1|4
|MF
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Jackichand Singh]]
|2
|0
!2
|-
|rowspan=7|5
|MF
|align=left|{{flagicon|GHA}} [[Courage Pekuson]]
|1
|0
!1
|-
|MF
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Deependra Negi]]
|1
|0
!1
|-
|FW
|align=left|{{flagicon|ISL}} [[Guðjón Baldvinsson]]
|1
|0
!1
|-
|FW
|align=left|{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Dimitar Berbatov]]
|1
|0
!1
|-
|DF
|align=left|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wes Brown]]
|1
|0
!1
|-
|MF
|align=left|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Pulga (footballer)|Pulga]]
|0
|1
!1
|-
|FW
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Prasanth Karuthadathkuni]]
|0
|1
!1
|}

===Clean sheets===
{{updated|6 April 2018}} 
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!style="width:56px;"|Rank
!style="width:200px;"|Name
!style="width:150px;"|Indian Super League
!style="width:84px;"|Total
|-
|1
|align=left|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Paul Rachubka]]
|5
|5
|-
|2
|align=left|{{flagicon|IND}} [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]]
|1
|1
|}

==See also==
* [[2017–18 in Indian football]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Kerala Blasters FC}}
{{2017–18 in Indian football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2017-18 Kerala Blasters FC season}}
[[Category:Kerala Blasters FC seasons]]
[[Category:2017–18 Indian Super League season by team|Kerala Blasters FC]]