CALCUTTA (India): Ishan Porel said he has developed into an aggressive bowler after his five-wicket haul helped Bengal take a first-innings lead of 190 against Karnataka on the second day of Ranji Trophy semifinal at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
“Mentally, I have developed into an aggressive bowler. Arun Lal sir has guided me well. The off-season training has helped me a lot besides the India A tours where bowling against some of the top batsmen definitely boosted my confidence,” Porel said after the match.
“I’m getting more experience after playing 20-odd matches. I’m more confident now to pitch the ball and get the movement.”
But the hosts weren’t of the woods after being reduced to 72 for 4 at stumps with first innings centurion Anustup Majumdar (149 not out) managing to see through the final hour with some slice of luck.
Bengal bowlers were in thick of action after they shot out the visitors for 122 with Porel taking five for 39 which gave his side a valuable 262 runs lead at the end of the day.
“The seam was upright and the wicket has helped me a lot,” added Porel, who joined the side in the quarterfinal after returning from New Zealand tour.
Porel-led Bengal pace attack made light work of Karnataka’s star-studded batting line up which has KL Rahul, Manish Pandey and Karun Nair.
“Our batsmen aren’t doing well. There’ll be tension, but we will comeback well. Tomorrow’s first session will be crucial. If we manage 400-plus, it’ll will be a challenge for them,” said Porel.
Brief Scores:
In Kolkata: Bengal 312 (Majumdar 149 n.o.) and 72 for 4 leads Karnataka 122 (Porel 5 for 39) by 262 runs.
In Rajkot: Gujarat 119 for 6 trails Saurashtra 304 (Jackson 103, Nagwaswalla 5 for 81) by 185 runs.
