Ishan Porel revealed the focus was on being consistent, maintaining a nagging line and length as Bengal went about trying to overcome the major threat posed by Karnataka opener KL Rahul and did that successfully in the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Kolkata.
Rahul struggled on his comeback to first-class cricket, being dismissed by Porel's bowling partner Mukesh Kumar for a 67-ball 26 as Bengal bundled out Karnataka for just 122, bagging a significant lead after posting a total of 312 in the first innings. Porel did the bulk of the damage, taking a five-fer (5/39).
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"He (Rahul) is a lot more calm and composed. He has got all the time to play the ball. He faces 140kmph bowling all the time. It was easy for him here," IANS quoted the 21-year-old pacer as saying on his Kings XI Punjab captain in the IPL.
“He got out to a poor shot because we showed a lot of discipline in our bowling. We are happy that he could not go after us and consumed 67 deliveries for his 26."
Porel, who has been strengthening his case of national team recognition with such quality performances, credited out-of-favour experienced Bengal pacer Ashok Dinda's prudent advice for his success.
"I spoke to him (Dinda) last night and he asked us to bowl in a disciplined way. He told us, ‘don’t try too much, and just bowl in right areas and you will get wickets’."
"It definitely worked. I remembered what he said while bowling. He has so many wickets for Bengal on this wicket and has got a lot more experience," he added.
"We have been bowling well. If you see the Indian attack they back and applaud each other’s performances. The same thing we are doing here. The hard work we have put in is paying off."
Porel joined Bengal's squad prior to the quarterfinal against Odisha, just after returning from the A tour to New Zealand where also he did well.
"After returning from there, it helped me a lot here with the upright seam in SG ball. It’‘s helping me altogether after returning from new Zealand."
"I’m getting more experience after playing 20-odd matches. I’m more confident now to pitch the ball and get the movement," he said.
“It is happening naturally to me and I’m not putting any extra effort. I’m also mentally more aggressive. The off-season training and India A tour has helped."
(Inputs from IANS)
