Abishek Porel hits Ranji century days after bail in rape case, breaks down in tears
Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel hit a century on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy season opener against Delhi in Kalyani on Monday, weeks after being granted bail in a case involving allegations of rape and criminal intimidation.
The 23-year-old got down on his knees and broke down in tears after reaching the three-figure mark in the final session. He took a few seconds before getting back on his feet, raising his bat and acknowledging the applause from the dressing room and his teammates.
Porel’s emotional celebration came on his return to competitive cricket after the Indian Premier League 2026 season. He had been named in Bengal’s squad for their season opener against Delhi days after being granted bail by a Chinsurah court in September.
Porel was arrested on August 11 following a complaint by a medical student from Karnataka. The complainant alleged that Porel had engaged in a relationship with her on the promise of marriage and accused him of rape and criminal intimidation, among other offences.
On the field, Porel made the most of his opportunity, bringing up his second first-class century in his 33rd match. Having made his Bengal debut in 2022, the left-handed batter has had consistent opportunities in domestic cricket but has struggled to convert them into substantial scores. Last season, he managed 84 runs in three matches for Bengal.
Porel featured in only four matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, finding himself in and out of the playing XI. He had not played competitive cricket since the end of the tournament.
His inclusion in Bengal’s squad had drawn attention in the wake of the allegations. The Cricket Association of Bengal had distanced itself from Porel’s personal and legal matters.
“His personal and legal matters are his own matters. If the situation changes, we will take the appropriate action. But for now there’s no issue from our side,” an official of the Cricket Association of Bengal was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
BENGAL IN COMMAND
Meanwhile, Bengal finished Day 2 at 304 for three, taking a 64-run first-innings lead after bowling Delhi out for 240 on Sunday.
Porel remained unbeaten on 114, having struck a six and 13 boundaries, while Sudip Gharami was not out on 122 off 221 deliveries. Gharami’s century had laid the foundation for Bengal’s strong reply before Porel extended their advantage with an unbeaten partnership.
Bengal will look to build on their lead when the two centurions resume their innings on Tuesday. Mohammed Shami had led Bengal’s bowling effort on the opening day, claiming four wickets, while Akash Deep took two and Mukesh Kumar one. Delhi’s batting line-up struggled against the pace attack, with Hrithik Shokeen the only batter apart from the lower order to offer significant resistance.
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