Agencies
Talented Bengal keeper-batter Abhishek Porel is all set to be the injured Rishabh Pant's replacement at Delhi Capitals in the upcoming Indian Premier League season starting Friday.
DC have been fretting about an Indian replacement for Pant, who met with a horrific car accident late last year and ruled out of competitive cricket for at least one year.
“The DC are likely to put forth Abhishek Porel's name as Rishabh's replacement for the current season. He is only 21 and under the guidance of Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, could be groomed as a second option even after Rishabh comes back,” an IPL source tracking the developments told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
However, maverick Mumbai man Sarfaraz Khan will be the Capitals' No.1 keeper-batter for at least the first few games, as it is unlikely that Phil Salt will be used from the onset.
“As of now, it looks like Sarfaraz will start against Lucknow Super Giants and if the experiment works, then he will continue,” the source said. The problem with Phil Salt could be his batting on a Kotla track which is not conducive for strokeplay. The ball won't come on to the bat easily and he is likely to find it difficult against quality spinners.
