KOLKATA: Two future India pacers are in action at the
Eden Gardens
as Bengal play Madhya Pradesh in a
Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match from Monday.
While the hosts will expect 20-year-old
Ishan Porel to make early inroads, Madhya Pradesh will bank on Avesh Khan, 21, to do the damage. Both announced their arrival in the Under-19 World Cup.
Avesh, playing his maiden World Cup at the age of 17, claimed a solitary wicket in two matches in UAE four years ago. In the 2016 edition in Bangladesh, though, Avesh emerged as India's top wicket-taker with 12 scalps at an average of 15.08.
Porel made a mark in India's 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning campaign in New Zealand. After missing a couple of matches due to injury, Porel ran through the Pakistan top order in the semifinal with a haul of 4-17 in six overs.
Strangely, both Avesh and Porel, who bowls at around 140 kmph, were ignored in the IPL players' auction, although the MP quick was later picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017. Last year he represented Delhi Daredevils, without much success. Porel, however, remained out of the IPL bracket.
Avesh, who hails from a poor family, made his Ranji debut for Madhya Pradesh against Railways in 2014-15. Porel, on the other hand, is from a sporting family and earned his senior Bengal cap against Vidarbha last season.
Avesh has already rubbed shoulders with senior India players as he was selected to bowl in the nets during the South Africa tour and the recent Asia Cup in the UAE. "It was a great learning experience for me there," Avesh said.
The Indore boy made special mention of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who showed him how to use the seam on flat pitches.
As a bright future beckons, both will be looking to fire on all cylinders in the Ranji season.
Start a Conversation
Post comment