With the announcement that IPL 2020 will be held in UAE from September 19 to November 10, cricketers are over the moon and eagerly waiting to showcase their skills on the field.
One such player is Bengal pacer Ishan Porel, who played a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph two years ago. He will be making his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) after being roped in for Rs 20 lakh.
See Also: “I would love to bowl to Kohli”, says Ishan Porel after magnificent run in Ranji Trophy
"I can’t even explain how excited I am. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now and thankfully, Kings XI Punjab showed their trust in me and my bowling. I am looking forward to living up to their trust and showcase my ability in front of the entire world. I am confident and really excited to take the field for my side KXIP," Porel said in an exclusive interview with WION.
Unlike in India, the entire IPL season in UAE will be played in only three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
When asked if the three venues will pose a challenge for pace bowlers, Porel replied: “Obviously, it will be a challenge. But as a modern bowler, you need to use your variations as per the need. We have seen in the last few IPLs that if a pacer is bowling quick then it is easier for batsmen to pick him up.”
“But whatever I know of cricket, curators might keep grass covering in the first half of the tournament to keep the pitches alive and if we grab that advantage then it will help me or the pacers to build momentum for the entire tournament. At least I am accustomed to bowling in slower tracks from my experience in Kolkata.”
The 21-year-old also spoke about how excited he is to share the dressing room with the likes of Mohammad Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, Jimmy Neesham and others.
"I am really looking forward to learning from them. They have plenty of international experience and I feel sharing the dressing room and the ground with them will help me build a solid foundation for my future. As everyone says, IPL is a platform which improves even the best of players and I am just starting now.
"But on a different note, I want to spend a lot of time with our fielding coach Jonty Rhodes. Today’s international pacers are brilliant fielders as well and being a youngster I want to become better in that regard and set a benchmark for myself.
Ishan Porel, who used to bowl to KL Rahul in the nets during his Under-16 days, said he is looking forward to play under his captaincy.
"Tremendous player and very encouraging! I mean he has that aura of calmness around him. The last time we spoke was during the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Bengal and Karnataka.
"He praised my form and encouraged me to do well in the future and for KXIP. I have a small memory with KL – he was the captain of India Under-23 and I was at NCA during my Under-16 days and I bowled to him in the nets that time. I don’t know whether he remembers this or not but I do."
