Delhi Capitals’ Abishek Porel Eyes National Call-Up

Abishek Porel, the young batting sensation from West Bengal, has firmly established himself as one of the standout performers in the IPL. The 21-year-old left-handed batter has not only become a key player for Delhi Capitals but also positioned himself as a promising contender for a future spot in the Indian national team. 

Porel’s consistent performances in the IPL have captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike, making him one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.

Porel’s rise to prominence in the IPL was anything but ordinary. His breakthrough came in the opening game of IPL 2024 when he played a blistering cameo against Punjab Kings. With Delhi Capitals struggling at 138/7, Porel stepped up with an explosive 32 off just 10 balls, propelling his team to a competitive total of 174. This innings was enough to cement his place in the team, and he went on to feature in all 14 matches of the season.

Reflecting on his journey, Porel spoke about the pivotal role played by Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff, including head coach Ricky Ponting, director of cricket Sourav Ganguly, and assistant coach Shane Watson. 

“I was definitely nervous seeing Ponting. Moreover, once I was in Delhi, Ponting, Sourav [Ganguly] sir, and Shane Watson were guiding us nicely, and treating me like one of their own,” Porel told ESPNcricinfo. Their mentorship has been instrumental in shaping his game and boosting his confidence on the big stage.

Porel’s IPL 2024 campaign saw him amass 327 runs, including two match-winning half-centuries and several crucial cameos. His impressive strike rate of 160 shows his ability to score quickly and adapt to different match situations. Despite his young age, Porel demonstrated maturity and composure, traits that have quickly made him a fan favourite and a reliable top-order option for Delhi Capitals.

The young batter attributes his success to mental preparedness and a relentless focus on self-improvement. “I was just prepared for the opportunity. The fight was always with myself, because it is me who is my competitor. I knew that if I performed well, I would be able to keep my place,” Porel remarked. His determination and self-belief have been key factors in his ability to seize opportunities and deliver consistently on the field.

Looking ahead, Porel has set his sights on a bigger goal—earning a call-up to the Indian national team. He believes that his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL can pave the way for his entry into the national squad. “I aim to play all three formats for India—and play regularly. If I get 1000 runs in first-class cricket for two seasons in a row, and hit 500-600 runs in the IPL, I believe a door will certainly open for me,” Porel said with confidence.

Porel’s ambitions are not unfounded. His performances in the IPL have shown that he has the talent and temperament to succeed at the highest level. With a strong domestic season ahead, he will have ample opportunities to further prove his mettle and make a compelling case for national selection.

As the domestic cricket season approaches, all eyes will be on Abishek Porel as he continues to build on his impressive IPL campaign. For Delhi Capitals, he remains a vital asset as they plan for future seasons, and for Indian cricket, he represents a promising young talent ready to take on bigger challenges. If Porel continues on his current trajectory, it won’t be long before he dons the Indian jersey and becomes a regular feature in the international arena.