Kolkata: Kolkata Royal Tigers captain Abhishek Porel has credited Bengal T20 League platform and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for nurturing future talents for Bengal. He also expresses his love for captaincy and bond with elder brother Ishan Porel.
Difference compared to last season for Kolkata Royal Tigers
Porel is leading Kolkata for 3rd consecutive season. Despite qualifying for semi final both years, they’re struggling at last position and on verge of disqualification. Porel stated that the plans weren’t executed efficiently this season.
“We have played semis in last 2 seasons. It can happen with any team even the champions. This season, things didn’t quite click in the same way because every team is focused on their own journey. At the end of the day, every franchise wants to become champions, and that’s what everyone plans and works for. What matters most is how we execute those plans. Maybe not everything goes perfectly every match, but the way we won today was very important beyond just the result”, Porel said after close 1 run win against table toppers Servotech Siliguri Strikers, the maiden win for Kolkata Royal Tigers this season.
Leading a young side and helping players grow
Kolkata Royal Tigers are comprised of young players, who mainly play club Cricket and haven’t played at Eden Gardens at such a big stage before. According to Porel, this is a learning platform for them and an achievement including himself.
“We are a very young side with a lot of new players, so for them every game is a lesson, a learning experience and an achievement. To come to this stage and perform on live television is a big moment for them. If they can learn from these experiences and execute better in the future, it will really help their careers — including mine. That’s the most important thing”, Porel mentioned.
He continued, “Most of the players in our team have mainly played club cricket, so they haven’t experienced this kind of environment before — the pressure, the intensity, and the feeling of winning matches like this. For them, it’s a huge achievement and something they’ve now started to realise. Everyone is enjoying themselves, and that’s important. This win matters, especially the way we achieved it.”
Personal goals this season
“My aim is simply to help the team — to contribute as a leader, to encourage the team, whether we win or lose. That’s what matters most.”
On Ronit Ghosh and thankful to CAB
Abhishek Porel especially mentioned his Kolkata team mate Ronit Ghosh – a 27 years old finisher who also plays for Barisha Club. He stated that Ronit has improved a lot as a finisher in last 3 years. Porel then thanked CAB for Bengal T20 League, a major platform to develop players.
“We’re seeing many players growing up in this league, special mention to Ronit Ghosh , he belongs from far, seen him from last 3 years, he has improved a lot as finisher. Every team needs such players. I would thank CAB for such an important platform”.
Bengal cricket moving forward
Bengal team has performed inconsistently in last few years. Apart from being titleless, they’re knocked out from Group stages or knock outs. Pointing these, Porel stated that Bengal team needs finishers who can hit the Ball hard. He also mentioned the quality of players coming up from Bengal T20 League are needed to Bengal to become champion.
“In the last couple of years, Bengal have fallen short in the quarter-finals and group stages, but to now move towards becoming champions shows the quality of talent and players we have and are coming up from Bengal T20 League platform. Bengal team needs more finishers and hitters. Hopefully, Bengal cricket will continue to grow stronger.”
Bond and Sibling Rivalry with Ishan Porel
Abhishek Porel and Ishan Porel, the rising sensations hailing from Chandannagar. Although they’ve not faced each other much and play Bengal together, last afternoon, Abhishek while playing for Kolkata smashed Ishan Porel for 18 runs including 2 sixes before Ishan dismissed his younger brother and made his trademark celebration. Ishan later finished with 3 wickets spell. Speaking on bonding with his elder brother Ishan and on field sibling rivalry, Abhishek stated,
“Playing against Dada for the second time was special. The first time was when I was very young, in school cricket about fifteen years ago. This is only my second time facing him as a professional player. Off the field, we share a great bond and understand each other very well. But once we step onto the field, the focus is simple — take wickets, score runs, and do the job. Off the field, we know how much respect and friendship we share, but on the field it’s all about the game. As for celebrations, we always see players like Ishan enjoying and celebrating the game. That’s part of cricket — it’s fun, it’s emotional, and it’s something we all love to watch and be a part of.”
Love for leadership, responsibilities and acknowledges coach, parents for support
Porel, the current captain of Kolkata Royal Tigers expressed his love for captaincy and taking responsibilities. He also credited his parents and coach Bikash Das for constant support.
“I love leadership and taking responsibilities. I’m learning how to become better captain and guide the team to win, how to make plans on field so that if I become captain in future in any other teams, I can execute that. Looking ahead, I can’t say exactly where the future will take me, but I’m grateful for where I’ve come from and where I am today. None of this would have been possible without the support of my coach, Bikash Das, my parents, and everyone who has backed me. My focus now is on the future, and I’m thankful for the journey so far”, Porel concluded.
