08 Abishek Porel

A fearless left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Chandannagar, West Bengal, Abishek Porel has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the Delhi Capitals (DC) lineup.¹ Born on October 17, 2002, Porel’s journey from a tactical replacement to a core retained asset is a testament to his explosive hitting and technical maturity.

As of January 2026, Porel enters the new season as a senior figure in the “uncapped” category.³ Following a prolific 2025 season where he anchored the middle order and showcased his versatility as an opener, he has been retained by Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026 season for ₹4 Crore.

Abishek Porel: Career Profile & 2025-26 Rise

The “Impact” Specialist: From Replacement to Pillar

Abishek Porel first caught the world’s eye in 2023 when he was drafted as an injury replacement for Rishabh Pant.⁵ While his debut season was a quiet introduction, his 2024 breakout (327 runs at a strike rate of 159.51) proved he belonged on the big stage.⁶ By 2025, he became a tactical cornerstone for DC, often utilized as an “Impact Player” to capitalize on powerplay restrictions or finish games with his aggressive intent.

Domestic Dominance: The “Bengal” Sensation

Porel’s recent domestic form for Bengal has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he delivered a career-defining performance on December 20, 2025, smashing an unbeaten 170 off 130 balls* against Delhi. His ability to accelerate—demonstrated by a blistering 106 off 84 balls against Chhattisgarh just a week later—highlights why he is considered the next big wicketkeeping prospect for the national side.

IPL 2026 Outlook: A Versatile Weapon

For the 2026 season, Porel provides Delhi Capitals with immense tactical flexibility. Whether opening alongside KL Rahul or finishing alongside Tristan Stubbs, his high strike rate and clean ball-striking against both pace and spin make him a nightmare for opposition captains. Under the guidance of the DC coaching staff and alongside his cousin, seamer Ishan Porel, Abishek is a prime candidate for the 2026 Emerging Player discussions.

Abishek Porel: IPL Career Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 20, 2026.

Batting & Fielding Records