Speaking through my bat: Porel on his comeback Ranji ton

Abishek Porel’s century and solid stand with Sudip Gharmi helped Bengal take control of the Ranji Trophy contest against Delhi in Kalyani. | Photo Credit: CAB Media

After scoring his second First-Class hundred and forming an unbroken 199-run stand with fellow centurion Sudip Gharami to put Bengal in a position of strength on the second day of the Ranji Trophy match against Delhi at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Monday, 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel counted the lessons he learnt from the most forgettable episode of his life.

Porel, who was arrested in an alleged rape case and got bail less than a month ago, appeared grounded and philosophical. “I’ve seen a different world, a different life. I’ve taken a lot of positives out of it. It has made me mentally tougher. The way I spent every second during that phase reminded me to speak through my bat,” said Porel, an Indian Premier League regular.

“I’ve seen a lot and want to be a better human being and a better cricketer.”

Porel profusely thanked Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla and others, including Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly, for reviving his career.

“I will remain grateful to Laxmi da (brother) for the way he bailed me out of the troubled phase. It’s a new beginning, new life. I got another opportunity,” said Porel, who touched Shukla’s feet out of respect after the end of the day’s play.

Porel said he eagerly awaited his century. “I had one First-Class hundred, that played on my mind. Gharami advised me to have patience,” said Porel, who was also clinical with the gloves during Bengal’s fielding.