Under the leadership of David Warner, the team failed to impress, and their hopes of winning the title for the first time were crushed once again.
With at least 10 points in the league, they narrowly avoided finishing last, just ahead of wooden spoon holders Sunrisers Hyderabad.
DC wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel Looks like the Delhi team will come back stronger in the next season.
Abhishek Porel (Image Credit: Instagram)
Porel, who was called upon to fulfill the wicketkeeping duties in their second match of the season against Gujarat Titans, scored 20 and displayed good skills with the gloves behind the stumps.
The left-handed Bengal cricketer also said that the Delhi team missed the star’s services. Rishabh Pant,
Porel, who played 4 matches for Delhi in the season, spoke TimesofIndia.com In an exclusive interview and discussed Delhi Capitals IPL 2023 show, meeting Rishabh Pant and M S DhoniICC Under-19 World Cup, and much more…
How has been the learning curve for you at Delhi Capitals?
I had a great learning experience at Delhi Capitals. I got to learn a lot from the seniors and coaches. From sharing the dressing room to sharing the nets with world class cricketers and taking tips and learning cricket from them – it was just the best. I really enjoyed it. Delhi Capitals is like a family. I was grateful that I got the opportunity and the best part was that I gained a lot of confidence.
Abhishek Porel (Image Credit: Instagram)
Delhi Capitals finished 9th this season. Another disappointing performance…
We have a strong unit and a strong captain in David Warner. We will come back stronger next season. I gave my best and Warner also said ‘keep learning’. We have star players and coaches and I know we will do well next season. We all have that positive mindset.
You met Rishabh Pant who is recovering from injuries. How was that meeting?
When he came to visit us for the first time, I went up to him and asked him many things. He is a senior and experienced player. He said, ‘Just play your natural game and don’t take any pressure.’ His words – ‘bindaas khelo aur khul ke khelo’ (settle down and play freely) encouraged me. He discussed with me about his first IPL experience and his first IPL. He said ‘Ek ball baari sab theek hota hai, koi pressure nahi hota’ (everything is fine after the first delivery).
You would say that Delhi Capitals really missed Rishabh Pant.
yes of course. Missed Rishabh Pant. He is a star player and has played a lot of matches in IPL and India. He is a match winner. DC missed him.
Rishabh Pant narrowly escapes a fatal car accident. It must have been a big blow to the entire DC team…
He is getting better day by day. I wished him a speedy recovery. He is the star player of the Indian team and the team needs him. He should be fine and (hopefully) back on the field soon. He is on his way to recovery.
Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly (Image Credit: Delhi Capitals)
Delhi Capitals have legends like Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting in their setup. you on them…
Sourav (Ganguly) sir and Ricky (Ponting) sir are people we have seen play and tried to emulate on the field. I was very happy when I saw him in Delhi Capitals. You can learn a lot from them. If you have any doubt, go to Sourav sir and Ricky sir, they will solve a query or problem in seconds. They both are very helpful and I tried to learn a lot from them. They say- ‘Play your game and don’t take pressure’.
After Delhi Capitals experimented with Sarfaraz Khan as wicketkeeper in their opening match, you were handed the role in the second match against Gujarat Titans. how ready were you?
I was in my room. there was a knock on the door. Ricky Ponting sir was at the door. He came, smiled and said ‘Abhishek, be ready, you are playing tomorrow. Best wishes’. He said some encouraging words. I was very happy at that moment.
Were you nervous about replacing Rishabh Pant?
Rishabh Pant is a big name. There were honestly expectations and pressure. But I was calm and wanted to express myself by going in the middle.
You took some great catches in the tournament, especially Rohit Sharma…
I have practiced a lot. I have worked a lot on reaction time. Keeping an eye on the bowler and the ball has helped me a lot. Fitness is also important. Things become easy for you when you practice a lot. Whatever I practiced, I went and applied on the field. Rohit Sharma told me after the match against Mumbai Indians – ‘Good catch liya, keep up the good work’.
MS Dhoni and Abhishek Porel (Image Credit: Instagram)
You were also part of the victorious ICC Under-19 World Cup 2022 team captained by Yash Dhull. How do you envision your future in senior India cricket?
The Under-19 World Cup was a huge platform for me. After winning the World Cup, many doors opened for me. I played Ranji Trophy and domestic tournaments. I take every step as a platform for myself and try to give my best in every tournament.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My idol is Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni). I have followed him very closely. I have also followed Adam Gilchrist. I would watch his videos – both batting and keeping – and try to bring those techniques into my game. I met Mahi bhai and took a lot of tips from him. He taught me the techniques involved in wicketkeeping and how to hold the ball well.
