Cricket

Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Pravin Amre has shed light on the exclusion of Prithvi Shaw from the playing XI in recent matches, citing the team's need to prioritize form and performance. Shaw, a retained player for the Capitals, initially impressed with a 43-run knock against Chennai Super Kings and a 66-run innings against Mumbai Indians. However, his form subsequently declined.In contrast, Abhishek Porel has seized the opportunity, amassing 327 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 159.51. Porel's standout performance came in the Capitals' final group stage match against Lucknow Super Giants, where he smashed 58 runs off 33 deliveries, contributing to the team's 19-run victory."Shaw was our retained player, but if you're not in form, you can't keep your place," Amre explained. "We had to win games, and Porel grabbed the opportunities."Shaw has made eight appearances for the Capitals this season, scoring 198 runs at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 163.64. Porel, on the other hand, has played in various positions, including opener, where he has accumulated 159 runs at a strike rate of 165.62 in three matches.Amre's comments highlight the competitive nature of the Indian Premier League, where players must consistently perform to retain their place in the team. The Capitals' decision to bench Shaw and promote Porel demonstrates their commitment to fielding the strongest possible lineup to secure victories.

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.

Abhishek Porel's Impactful Performance Powers Delhi Capitals to Competitive TotalIn a thrilling opening clash of IPL 2024, Abhishek Porel emerged as an unlikely hero for the Delhi Capitals (DC), delivering a sensational performance as an Impact Substitute against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.Porel, batting at number nine, entered the crease with DC reeling at 147-8 in 18.3 overs. However, he displayed remarkable composure and power-hitting, scoring an unbeaten 32 off just 10 deliveries. His innings included a flurry of boundaries and a massive six off the final ball of the innings, bowled by Harshal Patel.Porel's aggressive approach not only lifted DC to a competitive total of 174/9 but also showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. His fearless stroke play turned the tide in favor of DC, giving them a fighting chance in the match."I knew I was going in before 3 overs. And the support staff told me to be ready as you are one of the impact players. I translated on the field today what I practiced before. My plan was to hit the ball where it came from. 174 is a good score and our bowling unit is good, so let's see," Porel said at the mid-innings break.Porel's performance highlights the importance of Impact Substitutes in the IPL, allowing teams to introduce a fresh player into the game at a crucial moment. His ability to make an immediate impact and contribute significantly to the team's total is a testament to his talent and determination.As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Porel's performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impactful and memorable moments. His fearless batting and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a valuable asset for the Delhi Capitals and a rising star in the Indian Premier League.