KALYANI: Abishek Porel could not control his emotions as he wept silently after completing his century against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘C’ clash at the Bengal Cricket Academy (BCA) ground here on Monday.
The wicketkeeper-batter had gone through tough times in the recent past. He missed the latter half of Ranji Trophy last season after suffering a shoulder injury. He was not included in the initial Bengal probables’ list for this season after being arrested on alleged rape charges. Having spent almost a month behind bars, the 23-year-old was included in Bengal’s opening game against Delhi after being released on bail.
Porel, who had not played any competitive cricket since the end of IPL 2026, announced his return with an unbeaten 114 as Bengal piled up 304/3 at stumps on Day 2 to take a handsome 64-run first-innings lead against the visitors. Bengal were under some pressure losing three wickets in the morning session, but Porel and Sudip Gharami stood tall to see through stumps without being separated in a 199-run unbroken fourth-wicket stand.
The BCA is turning out to be a happy hunting ground for Gharami, who got his third successive Ranji ton at this venue to stay unbeaten on 122.
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Both youngsters complimented each other as Delhi bowlers lacked penetration on a wicket which was getting increasingly slower. “I am indebted to my coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla and all those who stood by me during those hard times,” Porel said.
Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni used seven bowlers for a breakthrough, but in vain. Porel was dropped twice at 2 and 23 at the slips while wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat missed a stumping chance against Gharami on 48. Bengal can now dictate the terms in this match.
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Brief Scores: Delhi 240 vs Bengal 304/3 in 79 overs (Gharami 122 not out, Porel 114 not out)