Bengal’s Sudip Gharami, left, and Abhishek Porel (PTI Photo)
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. 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.
Porel was dropped twice at 2 and 23 at the slips while wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat missed a stumping chance against Gharami on 48.
“I am indebted to my coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla and all those who stood by me during those hard times,” Porel said. Both youngsters complimented each other as Delhi bowlers lacked penetration on a wicket which was getting increasingly slower. Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni used seven bowlers for a breakthrough, but in vain. Bengal can now dictate the terms in this match.