Abishek Porel, the young Bengal wicketkeeper-batter, is aiming high after a successful IPL campaign, where he emerged as a key player for Delhi Capitals. Despite the controversy surrounding the Impact Player rule, Porel's breakthrough can be attributed to it, as he was able to showcase his talent in crucial situations.
Porel's journey to the IPL was not without its challenges. Initially, he found himself competing for a place with seasoned players like Rishabh Pant and Kumar Kushagra. However, a blistering knock of 32 off just 10 balls in the tournament opener against Punjab Kings, coming off the bench as an Impact Player, catapulted him into the limelight.
His impressive performance throughout the season earned him the praise of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who called him a "very special talent". Porel credits Ponting, along with Sourav Ganguly and Shane Watson, for guiding him and treating him as one of their own.
Porel's contributions went beyond just powerful hitting. He formed a potent opening partnership with Australian rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk, their aggressive style resulting in the highest run rate of any opening pair with at least 175 runs in the tournament.
Despite his success in the IPL, Porel is acutely aware of the importance of establishing himself in domestic cricket. With Wriddhiman Saha back in the fold for Bengal, he is likely to focus on batting this season.
Porel's journey to success began in Chandannagar, a small town in West Bengal. Inspired by his cousin Ishan, who was a key fast bowler for Bengal, he developed a passion for the game from a young age. His natural talent and determination saw him progress through the ranks, eventually earning a place in the Bengal Under-23 team.
His impressive performance in the Cooch Behar Trophy, where he scored 716 runs at an average of 89.50, earned him a call-up to the India Under-19 World Cup squad as a reserve. While he did not get the chance to play in the tournament, the experience provided valuable insights into international cricket.
Porel made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy in 2022, immediately showcasing his attacking style and securing a crucial victory for Bengal. He has since established himself as a key player for Bengal, although his consistency at the first-class level is yet to fully translate into consistent big scores.
His recent success in the IPL has given him the platform to showcase his abilities, and he is determined to use it to achieve greater heights. He has set his sights on playing all three formats for India, believing that consistently performing at the domestic level will open doors for him at the international level.
Porel is now looking forward to working with Saha, who has become a mentor and guide to him. The young cricketer is confident that with hard work and dedication, he can achieve his goals and become a key player for both Bengal and India.
