Kolkata: Ishan Porel, one of India’s stars in their U-19 World Cup triumph is no stranger to the fact that he has to keep on performing at the domestic level to make his transition to senior level cricket.
Porel didn’t have a great start to the World Cup as he sustained a foot injury in India’s group match against Australia. But the tall pacer made a remarkable comeback and played key roles in India’s victories in both the semi-final as well as the final.
“I know the significance of winning a World Cup, I’m just taking it like a learning process. I am very much aware that I’ve to keep performing well at the domestic level, then only I can make the boys-to-men transition,” Porel, who was received by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials at the airport, told PTI.
“Everyone wants me to see in India colours now. But I don’t have a remote control. I have to go through the steps. It’s a gradual process, after all,” he also said.
The lanky pacer now would aim for fully recovering from his foot injury, especially since he has opted out of the ongoing Vijay Hazare trophy.
“Rahul sir (Dravid) has spoken to Sourav sir (Ganguly) about my injury. After a week or so, I will have to go to the NCA for recovery,” added Porel.
While speaking about the World Cup win, Porel revealed that he was about to break down after his injury against Australia in the group stages.
“Everybody in the team started backing me. They said you will be able to play. I’m really grateful to the entire team, Rahul sir, Abhay sir (Sharma) and Paras sir (Mhambrey). They really helped me overcome the tough phase,” he said.
The Bengal lad staged a remarkable comeback against Bangladesh in the quarter-finals where he conceded just eight runs in his five overs. However, disappointment returned to him the very next day when he went unsold in the IPL auctions, especially when some of his teammates were roped in by the franchises.
“I was a bit disappointed but Rahul sir told me IPL will keep coming but the World Cup is a lifetime experience. It really motivated me to give my best,” Porel said about his 4/17 show against Pakistan in the semifinals.
“It was a normal thing for me from then on and I’ve recovered now. I know I will get a chance next time. There were some great lessons learnt like teamwork, how to come out of pressure, bounce back from injury, to become strong mentally,” a confident Porel said.
The 19-year-old, who idolises Dale Steyn and Brett Lee said that he dreamt of playing Test cricket for India and that he would choose to play the five-day format over the IPL.
“Obviously I would prefer playing for India Test side to IPL. Playing or not playing IPL does not matter. To get a Test cap, will be a different experience altogether. From childhood, I’m preparing myself to play Test cricket,” he said.