Future plan is to play for India but current focus is to win IPL: Abhishek Porel

Delhi Capitals’ young wicketkeeper-batter has his eyes on turning a successful IPL campaign into an India debut. Porel has been amongst the runs in IPL 2025, having scored 225 runs at an average of 32.18 and a strike rate of 146.10. After being unable to convert his starts in the beginning of the season, the 22-year-old played a crucial knock of 51 off 36 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium on April 22 in his team’s convincing eight-wicket win.

The victory meant that the Delhi Capitals bounced back in style after a rare defeat in what has been a stellar season so far for Axar Patel and company. Meanwhile, Porel admitted that while the “ultimate goal” remains to don an India shirt, his current focus is solely on turning up for the Capitals and taking them to a title.

“Obviously, the ultimate goal is to play for India. But right now I’m focusing on scoring runs for Delhi Capitals and helping the side win the trophy.”

Speaking of Capitals’ recent clash against LSG, after opting to bowl first, the Axar Patel-led side put up a clinical show with the ball, courtesy a four-wicket haul from pacer Mukesh Kumar and restricted the opposition to 159/6 in 20 overs. Later, they rode on Porel’s half-century and KL Rahul’s unbeaten 57 off 42 to go over the line in the 18th over. Skipper Axar also chipped in with a quickfire unbeaten 34 off 20 after Porel’s dismissal.

“I always had the confidence that we would chase down the target. The wicket was playing good and we had also bowled really well, especially in the middle-overs. So, I was pretty confident,” Porel said.

Talking about his own batting in this season and his role, the left-hander added, “I’m enjoying myself. I have had discussions with Hemang (Badani) sir and Kevin Pietersen. Whatever conversations I have with them, I just try to work on it and execute it during the match. The support staff obviously tells me to play with a free mindset. The coaches, captain and all the senior players have been very supportive, and everyone backs me.”

The 22-year-old also praised pacer Mukesh Kumar for his bowling. “Mukesh (Kumar) is somebody who backs his strength. He is a very hardworking person. He works a lot in practice, especially on his Yorkers.”

Delhi Capitals now have six wins and 12 points from eight matches and are placed at number two in the points table. They will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next match of IPL 2025 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, April 27.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

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