Delhi Capitals’ uncapped wicketkeeper batsman Abhishek Porel was seen tangling with one of the cutest attackers on the cricket pitch. The Bengal batsman picked up a dog that had attacked the pitch and playfully carried it off the field.
Delhi Capitals considered a raw talent in their side for the 2024 edition of the competition. The Capitals will once again be led by spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, who last led them in 2025 but failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Delhi Capitals will begin their 2026 IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants. They will play their first match on Wednesday, April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This will be the fifth match of the Indian Premier League.
Abhishek Porel playfully escorts the ‘cutest pitch invader’ off the field
Bengal left-handed batsman Abhishek Porel has always played a big role for Delhi Capitals ever since he was re-inducted into the team. Porel was included in the squad as a wicketkeeping option after Rishabh Pant left the Capitals lineup.
Ahead of the start of the IPL 2026 season, Abhishek Porel was seen practicing in the nets at his home ground in Delhi. During the session, a stray dog invaded the pitch and it was undoubtedly one of the cutest moments of the game.
The batsman immediately released his bat, bent down and picked up the attacker in his lap. He was then seen playfully teasing the dog by chasing it off the pitch. The very happy dog played with the DC star before leaving the field.
It was game time, and Abi obliged pic.twitter.com/0ClsG4QIkM
– Delhi Capitals (@delhicapitals) 27 March 2026
Abhishek Porel’s brilliant role for Delhi Capitals
From being a disappointing replacement selection to becoming a cornerstone in the Delhi Capitals top-order, Abhishek Porel has looked every way in the IPL. Although his debut came in 2023, his breakthrough season came in 2024.
He scored 327 runs in the second season after his debut. He played 14 matches for Delhi Capitals and scored runs at an average of around 32.70 and also batted at a strike rate of 159.60. He finished the 2024 season with two half-centuries.
The following season, when KL Rahul took over the responsibility behind the wicket, the Bengal wicketkeeper was mostly featured as an impact player. He scored more than 301 runs last season with a strike rate of 146.83.
Will Porel manage a playing XI spot for Capitals in IPL 2026?
Abhishek Porel has served as a top-order specialist for Delhi Capitals all these seasons. The left-handed batsman may still have a very important place at the top of the order. Prithvi Shaw will once again be seen making a comeback with the Capitals.
KL Rahul will also be seen in the role of opener, while Nitish Rana can be his option in the middle order. They will also have all-rounder Axar Patel and their two overseas picks David Miller and Tristan Stubbs.
While Ashutosh Sharma will add depth to the batting order, Abhishek Porel can still play in that batting order as an impact player, but this will not allow the Capitals to utilize the full strength of their bowling deck.
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