DC's IPL Opener Disappoints, but Porel's Cameo Offers Hope

Delhi Capitals' IPL campaign got off to a disappointing start with a four-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, but assistant coach Pravin Amre found solace in the scintillating cameo of Abhishek Porel.

Porel, brought in as an Impact Substitute in the death overs, smashed an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls to help DC post a competitive 174/9. However, the total proved insufficient as Punjab chased down the target with four wickets to spare.

Amre acknowledged the team's sloppy display on the field, which contributed to the loss. "Not the start we wanted, every team wants to start on a winning note. But there are a lot of positives from the game, our intent in batting was good," he said.

Despite the defeat, Amre highlighted Porel's performance as a major positive. "We can also see the positive about Abishek Porel, the guy who came in and scored runs at a strike rate of more than 300. He got us to the par score of 170-plus," he added.

DC suffered a major setback when pace spearhead Ishant Sharma sustained an ankle injury. To add to their woes, the Capitals dropped three catches, including that of Sam Curran, who went on to score a match-winning 63.

"In the bowling, I think Ishant's injury cost us and we all know catches win matches. We dropped a couple of crucial catches and maybe the outcome would have been different," Amre said.

"When you lose your main bowler it becomes difficult to contain them (opponents), but you have to credit Sam and Liam (Livingstone) for the way they batted and finished the game."

The match marked skipper Rishabh Pant's comeback to cricket after a horrific car crash 15 months ago. Amre expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience.

"Sometimes as coaches, we don't get emotional, but this was emotional. Personally, it was special because I have closely seen his journey since his initial days at DC," he said.

"We are really happy with the way he conducted himself, it's not easy after a 14-month comeback and handling that kind of pressure."

The Capitals will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next match on March 28.

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