20-year-old Abhishek Porel set to replace Pant in the upcoming IND T20 League

Indian T20 League-based franchise Delhi has made one change in its squad before the start of the mega cricketing show this Friday. For the 16th edition of this league, Pant is likely to be replaced by 20-year-old Abhishek Porel in the squad. Earlier, David Warner was named as the skipper of the Delhi side in his absence.

The left-handed wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was injured in a road accident last year, after which he is undergoing treatment and has been away from the cricket field for a long period now. It may take 6 to 7 months for him to recover now. 

The left-handed wicket-keeper batter Abhishek plays cricket for Bengal in domestic cricket and his wicketkeeping skills are amazing. He made his debut for Bengal in domestic cricket last season. It is a big opportunity for Porel to impress and make a name for himself.

The left-arm medium-pace bowler has scored 695 runs in 16 matches of first-class cricket at an average of 30.21, with 6 half-centuries. Porel has also registered a half-century in List A cricket. At the same time, Porel has scored 54 runs in three List A matches. Apart from this, he has played 3 T20 matches. Bengal's domestic cricketer has also made 2 catches and two stumpings in List A matches. Abhishek Porel played 2 Domestic 20 matches and scored 6 runs in 1 Inning.

In December last year, Rishabh Pant met with an accident in a car while going from Delhi to Roorkee. His leg ligament was torn, which was treated first in Dehradun and then in Mumbai hospital. Just a few days ago, a photo of him walking with the help of crutches came to the fore. He may take 6 to 7 months to recover, and he is likely to miss the World Test Championship as well which will take place between India and Australia starting on June 07. 

Last season, Delhi finished in the 5th place in the IND T20 League points table barely missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. Rishabh Pant-led franchise won only 7 out of 14 matches. At the same time, the team had to face defeat in 7 matches. Delhi had a fair season last time in the league but they want to win the tournament this time. The new skipper of the franchise Warner-led team begins its IND T20 League 2023 campaign against Lucknow in Lucknow on Saturday (April 1).