Heartbreak to Ecstasy: Ishan Porel Overcomes Injury to Keep World Cup Dream Alive

Ishan Porel would have feared the worst when he limped out off the ground with an ankle injury in the opening match against Australia.

Porel’s World Cup dream was in danger, but the Indian team management decided against sending Porel back home.

The youngster from Bengal missed the league games against Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe before making a quiet return in the quarterfinal clash against Bangladesh, going wicketless.

However, the fast-bowler returned to his devastating best just when the team needed him the most. In the semifinal clash against Pakistan on Tuesday (January 30), Porel blew away Hasan Khan & Co. by taking four for 17, dismantling their top-order, as India thrashed the arch-rivals by 203 runs to storm into the final.

Ishan took the first four Pakistan wickets that fell, reducing them to 28 for four to completely derail their chase. Pakistan never recovered from those early setbacks, and was eventually folded up a for a paltry 69.

Talking about his show on Tuesday, Porel said he was never under any pressure.

“I just tried to concentrate on my line and length. You are not lucky enough every day to bag wickets. Today, things clicked well,” said the East Bengal star.

Sports runs in Porel’s veins. Porel used to play table tennis as a kid before joining a local club as a batsman. However, the coach advised him to try his hand at fast-bowling after seeing his height, and it turned out to be an inspiring one. His grandfather Subodh Chandra Porel was a kabaddi player who played for India while his father Chandranath Porel also represented the state in the same game.

The 19-year-old made his debut for Bengal last season when he featured in three matches, picking up 13 wickets which included a five-wicket haul. Porel idolised Dale Steyn and Brett Lee and made U-19 India debut last year when he travelled to England.

Meanwhile, the right-arm bowler would be keen on replicating his performance when India take on Australia in the final of the tournament. Both the teams have won the title thrice, more than any other team, and the winner would become the first team to lift the title for the fourth time.