Backed by Confidence and Clarity, Porel Emerges as DC’s Silent Performer
Delhi Capitals’ (DC) 2025 IPL campaign has found a consistent force at the top of the order in Abishek Porel. While not always grabbing headlines, Porel has quietly risen to become DC’s second-highest run-scorer this season, trailing only behind KL Rahul. With 225 runs in eight innings, his contributions have been pivotal in DC’s strong run, including six wins in eight matches.
“I know my game and the support staff knows my game,” said Porel after DC’s win over Lucknow Super Giants. That confidence, built on a foundation of coaching guidance and mentorship, has been the key to his steady ascent in one of cricket’s most competitive tournaments.
Support System Fuels Self-Belief
Porel, one of four players retained after IPL 2024—alongside Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Tristan Stubbs—didn’t get off to the best start this season, scoring a two-ball duck in the opener. But the setback didn’t last long.
“I was feeling the pressure,” Porel admitted. “But Hemang sir (Badani), KP (Kevin Pietersen), captain Axar, and others helped me bounce back. They told me to play with freedom and not worry about failure.”
Backed by this strong leadership group, Porel turned the tide. From candid chats during training to tactical feedback, the DC think-tank helped him stay grounded and motivated. “KP backed me, Hemang sir backed me, even KL bhai reminded me about my performance against LSG last year. That motivated me,” said Porel.
Consistent Contributions, Even Without Fireworks
Though Porel hasn’t unleashed match-winning knocks in the 80s or 90s, he has delivered impactful innings regularly. His stats tell the story:
- 34* off 18 vs SRH
- 33 off 20 vs CSK
- 33 off 25 vs MI
- 49 off 37 vs RR
- 18 off 9 vs GT
- 51 off 36 vs LSG
That final knock—his first fifty of the season—was crucial in setting up DC’s victory against LSG, especially with Faf du Plessis injured and Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling. Porel, opening the innings with Karun Nair, gave the Capitals just the platform they needed.
While his strike rate of 146.10 isn’t record-breaking, it fits into DC’s current strategy of steady acceleration. He also carries momentum from IPL 2024, where he scored 327 runs at a strike rate of 159.51.
Future Aspirations: From IPL Stability to National Glory
Despite his youth, Porel isn’t shy about his long-term ambitions. “The plan is obviously to play for India, to represent the national team for many years,” he stated at a recent press conference. But for now, his eyes are firmly set on the IPL title.
“What matters more to me is the IPL trophy—how we can do better, how I can contribute to making DC IPL champions,” he said with conviction.
The Power of Belief and the Influence of Mentors
Porel also gave credit to senior teammates like Kuldeep Yadav, who constantly reassures him about his timing and abilities. “Even if I don’t back myself, these people back me,” he noted. That environment of encouragement has clearly shaped Porel into a player capable of staying calm under pressure and delivering when it matters.
With DC currently thriving and Porel continuing to grow in stature, the future looks promising—not just for the franchise, but for Indian cricket as well.
Category: Cricket, IPL 2025, Sports News
Tags: Abishek Porel, Delhi Capitals, IPL 2025, Kevin Pietersen, Hemang Badani, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Faf du Plessis injury, DC batting lineup, Indian cricket prospects
