Since Khalid Jamil took over at NorthEast United, they have won three games in a row and recently held third-placed FC Goa to a draw to make it 22 points from 15 games.
The Highlanders, who now have the same tally of points as the two teams placed above them on the table, have emerged as one of the hot favourites to finish in the top four after Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan.
Their chances looked slim after Gerard Nus was sacked following a run of seven matches without a win between December 8, 2020, and January 12, 2021.