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DC's Abishek Porel Aims to Convert 30s into Big Scores in IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel is focused on turning his promising starts of 30-40 runs into substantial scores in the upcoming IPL season. He reflected on his 2024 campaign, where he scored 327 runs but often failed to build on good beginnings. Porel expressed readiness to bat in any role as decided by the team management, including the possibility of opening with KL Rahul. He views past failures as a natural part of cricket and is confident his squad will play good cricket.

Key Points: Abishek Porel on Converting Starts, IPL 2026 Goals & KL Rahul

  • Aims to convert 30-40 run starts
  • Calls preparations "zabardast" (amazing)
  • Ready for any batting role
  • Views failures as part of the game
  • Compares profile to KL Rahul
3 min read

DC keeper-batter Porel aims to convert promising starts into big scores ahead of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel targets converting 30-40 run starts into big scores in IPL 2026. Read about his preparation, 2024 season, and role.

"The key now is to convert those starts, as I have done in domestic cricket, and carry that forward into the IPL. - Abishek Porel"

By Sahil Kohli, New Delhi, March 6

Ahead of this year's Indian Premier League, Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel said that during the upcoming season, he is aiming to convert his fine starts of 30-40 runs into something bigger.

Porel was speaking to ANI at the pre-season media interaction in the national capital. The Bengal left-handed batter, who started off as a lower-order hitter, shifted to lower-order in the 2024 season, with plenty of outings as an opener.

Last season, he made 301 runs in 13 innings at an average of 25.08 and a strike rate of almost 147, with a fifty to his name as his team finished at fifth spot with seven wins, six losses and no result, giving them 16 points. The season witnessed him score plenty in 30s, but failing to convert these starts into something big.

Porel aims to put in work and make his starts bigger, stating to ANI that, "You have to work everyday. Every day brings new challenges, and last year I often got to 30-40 runs. The key now is to convert those starts, as I have done in domestic cricket, and carry that forward into the IPL."

He has been very happy with his preparations, calling them "zabardast" (amazing).

His 2024 season was his best, scoring 327 runs in 12 innings at an average of 32.70 and a strike rate of almost 160, with two fifties and a best score of 65.

Last year, he played some Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 50-over tournament matches for Bengal, scoring 241 runs in five outings at an average of 60.25 and a strike rate of 126.17, with a century and fifty each and a best score of 106. In the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) preceding it, he made 225 runs in seven innings at an average of 32.14 and an SR of above 175, with two fifties.

He and KL Rahul are two very similar players in terms of profile, with both being wicketkeeper-batters who can bat at the top and middle-order and switch gears within a jiffy. On his role within the team ahead of the tournament and talks with his senior counterpart about it, Porel said, "As for opening with KL Rahul, we don't yet know the final combination. It is for the management to decide. I am ready and happy to deliver in any role I get to play."

Porel takes the failures from the last season in his stride positively, saying that they are "part and parcel" and there is no fun without "ups and downs in life" and backs his current squad to play good cricket.

"Part and parcel (their loss of momentum and failures last season). There are always ups and downs in cricket and life. There is no fun without it. The mistakes that happened last year will not be repeated this year. We will play good cricket with the squad we have," he signed off.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His domestic numbers are actually very promising! A strike rate of 175 in SMAT is no joke. If he can bring that confidence to the IPL, he'll be a huge asset. All the best, Abishek! 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think the management needs to decide his role clearly. Last season he was shuffled around a bit. A young player needs a fixed position to build innings. The "any role" attitude is good, but clarity is better for performance.
S
Sarah B
Love the positive mindset! Calling preparations "zabardast" shows he's in a good space. Cricket is as much mental as it is skill. If he keeps this attitude, those big scores will come. DC fan here, rooting for him!
V
Vikram M
Being compared to KL Rahul in terms of profile is a huge compliment. He has the potential, no doubt. But KL's consistency is next level. That's the benchmark. Hope he learns from the senior pro.
K
Karthik V
The key is not to put too much pressure on himself. He's still young. Getting starts regularly is itself a good sign. The conversion will happen with experience. Just go out and play your natural game, boy!

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