Era of Panchapandavas

From 1949 to 1953 saw the ascent of East Bengal’s Panchapandava (the five Pandavas), a popular reference to one of the most formidable forward lineups in Indian soccer. Venkatesh, Apparao, Dhanraj, Ahmed Khan and Saley formed this deadly forward line, which were largely instrumental in East Bengal’s successes. 

In these years East Bengal simply dominated Indian Football.

 In 1949 East Bengal became the first Club to win Treble, winning the IFA League, IFA Shield and Rovers Cup. In 1950, East Bengal won both IFA League & IFA Shield. They also won DCM Trophy for first time. In 1950, East Bengal won IFA League without losing a Match (Unbeaten Champion). First time this achievement is made by any Indian club. In 1951 East Bengal made a Special Double by winning IFA Shield and Durand Cup, first time achieved by any club of India. In this year East Bengal made a hat-trick of winning IFA shield for three consecutive years. In 1951 East Bengal defeated F.C. Gotheburg (Sweden) 1-0, scorer was Saleh. 1n 1951-52 English FA annual almanac adjudged East Bengal as the Best Soccer Club. In the year 1952, East Bengal won IFA League, Durand Cup and DCM Trophy. East Bengal Club is the only club in India who was invited by Romania Youth Festival Committee to participate in their football tournament at Bucharest in the year 1953. East Bengal Club was recommended the best football club of India by the then President of India, Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Total Goals scored by Panchapandavas in that period was 386, out of which Dhanraj scored 126 goals, Venkatesh scored 81 goals, Ahmed Khan scored 63 goals, Appa Rao scored 61 goals and Saleh scored 55 goals. 

Compiled by: Rajarshi Ghosh