IPL 2023: Rishabh Pant Told Me To Play My Natural Game - Abishek Porel Speaks On His Experience Of Meeting Pant And His Time At Delhi Capitals

Last Update on: June 15th, 2023 at 02:33 pm

Delhi Capitals endured a disappointing campaign in the IPL 2023, finishing in 9th place after securing just five wins out of 14 matches in the group stage. Led by David Warner, the team failed to live up to expectations, falling short of their aspirations to clinch their maiden title. Despite the underwhelming performance, DC wicketkeeper-batsman Abishek Porel remains optimistic about the team’s prospects for the next season.

Abishek Porel was called upon to don the wicketkeeping gloves in the team’s second match against the Gujarat Titans. Displaying his skills behind the stumps and contributing 20 runs with the bat, the left-handed cricketer from Bengal made a positive impact. Reflecting on the season, Porel acknowledged the absence of star player Rishabh Pant, considering it a significant setback for the Delhi side.

In an interview with TimesofIndia.com, Abishek Porel shared his experience of meeting Rishabh Pant and discussed the Delhi Capitals’ performance in IPL 2023. Recalling their interaction, Porel expressed his admiration for Pant’s seniority and experience. According to Porel, Pant advised him to play his natural game without succumbing to any pressure.

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“When he came for the first time to meet us, I went to him and asked him a lot of 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 and khul ke khelo’ (just go and play freely) encouraged me.”

“He discussed his maiden IPL experience and his first IPL outing with me. He said ‘ek ball ke baad sabb theek ho jata hai, koi pressure nahi hota’ (everything is ok after the first delivery).”

Rishabh Pant Was Missed: Abishek Porel

When asked about the absence of Pant, Abishek Porel acknowledged the impact of the star player’s absence. Pant’s extensive experience in both the IPL and international cricket, along with his match-winning abilities, left a void in the Delhi Capitals’ lineup. Abishek Porel emphasized that the team genuinely missed Pant’s contributions.

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“Yes, of course. Rishabh Pant was missed. He is a star player and has played a lot of matches in IPL and India. He is a match-winner. DC missed him. He is recovering day by day. I wished him a speedy recovery. He is a star player in the Indian team and the team needs him. He should be fine and will (hopefully) hit the field soon. He is on the path to recovery.”

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Despite a lackluster season, the Delhi Capitals will look to regroup and come back stronger in the next edition of the IPL.

With the guidance of senior players like Rishabh Pant and a renewed sense of determination, the team aims to bounce back and make a mark in the upcoming seasons. The focus will be on rectifying the shortcomings and building a cohesive unit capable of challenging for the coveted IPL title.