Abhishek Porel, a name increasingly familiar to Indian cricket enthusiasts, is a dynamic 22-year-old cricketer hailing from Chandannagar, West Bengal. Born on October 17, 2002, this left-handed wicketkeeper-batter is steadily carving his niche in both domestic cricket for Bengal and the fiercely competitive Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Delhi Capitals [1, 3].
Porel’s journey began in the domestic circuit, where he represents Bengal across all formats. His talent as a wicketkeeper who can also contribute valuable runs with the bat quickly caught the attention of IPL franchises. The turning point came in the 2023 season when Delhi Capitals, facing an unexpected setback with the injury of their regular captain and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, turned to the young Porel as a replacement [1].
In his debut IPL season (2023), Porel featured in four games, providing glimpses of his potential with a quickfire 20 off 11 balls in one instance [4]. While his overall tally of 33 runs at an average of 8.25 and a strike rate of 106.45 was modest, it offered him crucial exposure to the high-stakes environment of the IPL [1].
The 2024 IPL season proved to be a significant step forward for Porel. Retained by the Delhi Capitals, he played all 14 league matches, showcasing his growing maturity and batting prowess. He amassed a total of 327 runs at a commendable average of 32.70, including two well-deserved half-centuries [1, 4]. His aggressive intent was evident in his improved strike rate of 159.51, demonstrating his ability to accelerate the innings when needed [1]. This performance made him the fourth-highest run-scorer for the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 season, highlighting his increasing importance to the team [4].
Beyond the IPL, Porel’s capabilities were further underlined by his stellar performance in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy. In a memorable encounter against Delhi, he single-handedly steered Bengal to a six-wicket victory with an unbeaten and magnificent knock of 170 runs [1, 7]. This innings not only showcased his ability to play long and impactful innings but also his temperament under pressure.
His wicketkeeping skills are equally noteworthy. By the end of the 2022-23 season, Porel had already established himself as a reliable presence behind the stumps in first-class cricket, accounting for the dismissal of 66 batters, including 58 catches and 8 stumpings in just sixteen matches [1]. While his T20 wicketkeeping numbers stood at five catches in fourteen matches during the same period, his agility and sharp reflexes behind the stumps have drawn comparisons with veteran Bengal wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha [1, 3].
Recognizing his burgeoning talent and potential to be a long-term asset, the Delhi Capitals made a significant statement by retaining Abhishek Porel as an uncapped player ahead of the TATA IPL 2025 Auction for a sum of INR 4 crore [1, 4]. This decision underscores the franchise’s faith in his abilities and their vision of him playing a crucial role in their future campaigns.
Looking ahead, Porel himself harbors aspirations of representing India on the international stage [4]. However, his immediate focus remains on contributing to the Delhi Capitals’ quest for their maiden IPL title. He has credited the team’s support staff for fostering a positive environment where he feels encouraged to play freely and express his natural game [4].
Abhishek Porel’s journey is a testament to the growing pool of young talent emerging from the Indian domestic circuit. His adaptability as a left-handed batter and his proficiency behind the wickets make him a valuable asset. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills in both domestic cricket and the high-octane world of the IPL, Abhishek Porel is undoubtedly a player to watch out for, with the potential to become a mainstay in Indian cricket for years to come.
References:
- Abhishek Porel – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhishek_Porel (Retrieved April 28, 2025)
- (Note: This reference was part of the prompt but doesn’t directly link to a specific claim. General knowledge about IPL replacements is common.)
- IPL: Meet Abhishek Porel, the pocket-sized dynamo of Delhi Capitals. National Herald. https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/sports/ipl-meet-abhishek-porel-the-pocket-sized-dynamo-of-delhi-capitals (Retrieved March 24, 2025 – via Archive link on Wikipedia)
- Abishek Porel IPL 2025 Price, Team, Career Stats, Records – UC Cricket. https://uccricket.live/cricket/ipl/abishek-porel-ipl-2025-team-price-career-stats-records-13852/ (Retrieved April 28, 2025)
- (Note: This reference was part of the prompt but doesn’t directly link to a specific claim. General knowledge about player retention in IPL is common.)
- (Note: This reference was part of the prompt but doesn’t directly link to a specific claim.)
- “Abhishek’s century lifts Bengal”. The Times of India. 21 January 2024. Archived from the original on 24 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025. 1 (via Wikipedia)
