"Credit goes to their training, preparation": KL Rahul hails DC's young power-hitters Porel and Parakh
New Delhi, May 18
Delhi Capitals are ready to make the final push for a playoff spot in the IPL 2026, and the onus will be on the in-form KL Rahul, who is the leading run-scorer for the franchise this season with 533 runs.
DC have some uncapped young Indian power-hitters like Abishek Porel and Sahil Parakh in the squad, and Rahul is very impressed with the fearless approach of these youngsters.
Speaking on JioStar's 'Superstars', DC wicketkeeper-batter said about the young Abhishek Porel, "It's his ability to hit sixes and access all parts of the ground. The new guys who are coming in, they are all 360-degree batters. Abhishek Porel can hit you over long-on for a six off the first ball, or he can scoop you over fine leg on the very first delivery."
"That kind of range is unusual, even among experienced players. One thing is to think about doing it. But the special thing about the new boys, especially Abhishek Porel, is that they can execute those shots in high-pressure games against good bowlers and strong teams," he added.
The 23-year-old Porel has made 86 runs in three matches this season at an average of 28. Rahul gave the credit for Porel's power-hitting to his training and preparation before the match.
"He doesn't need time to settle. He doesn't fear the situation. He just sees the ball and goes after it. So yes, all credit goes to their training and how well prepared they are for such a big competition. That kind of mindset is rare in a young player. He believes in his ability, and that is why he is succeeding. Abhishek Porel is a great example of this fearless new generation," he said.
The 18-year-old Parakh made his IPL debut this year. He is a dynamic left-handed opening batter known for his fearless and explosive style of play. A natural boundary-hitter with an aggressive intent, Parakh thrives on taking down pace bowlers during the powerplay
Talking about 'fearless prodigy' Parakh, Rahul said, "I first noticed Sahil Parakh a week before the start of TATA IPL 2026 during our practice camp. I saw a video Delhi Capitals posted from a training session in Hyderabad. It was just a minute of him hitting six after six. I thought, 'Who is this guy?' I knew we had picked a player named Sahil, and I had seen some clips of him in the Maharashtra League. But watching him hit those sixes, it really grabbed my attention. When I saw him in person at the camp, he was even more impressive. Very dynamic."
DC currently stands in seventh place in the points table with six wins and seven losses. They desperately need to win their next match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday to stay alive in the race for the playoffs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's refreshing to see senior players like KL Rahul openly appreciating the youngsters instead of feeling threatened. That's the Indian cricket culture at its best - mentorship and respect for talent. Hope Parakh gets more chances to prove himself in the coming games! 🇮🇳
All this talk is fine, but at the end of the day, DC is in 7th place. We need results, not just praise. Porel has only scored 86 runs in 3 matches - not exactly earth-shattering numbers. Let's see if these youngsters can deliver when it actually matters, like against KKR on Sunday. Talk is cheap in IPL!
The way KL described Porel's 360-degree range is spot on! These young batters are redefining T20 cricket in India. Remember when everyone used to say 'settle down first'? Now it's all about going from ball one. Absolutely love this fearless generation! 🏏✨
Great to see KL Rahul taking on the mentor role in DC! He's had his own ups and downs in IPL, but his experience is invaluable for these young players. Porel and Parakh are lucky to have such guidance. Just hope DC's management doesn't overhype them and let them develop naturally.
The way KL noticed Parakh from just a training video is such a classic cricket story! 'Who is this guy?' - love that reaction! This is why domestic tournaments like Maharashtra League are so important - they unearth gems like Parakh. Indian cricket's talent pipeline is truly incredible right now 😊
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