The Indian Premier League (IPL), is the biggest T20 cricket tournament globally. Ever since it commenced in 2008, it’s been a game-changer for Indian cricket as well as the cricketers; in fact, IPL has ensured cricket is not just a sport anymore, but a proper career that a youngster takes up. 17 seasons down the line we are in IPL 2024 and the stakes are higher than ever.
One of the best things about the IPL is how it helps young cricketers get noticed. They get to play alongside top international stars, which gets them ready for the road ahead. Many domestic players have risen to fame thanks to the IPL, showcasing their talent, and setting the tournament ablaze with their performances.
But what happens on the other side of the fence? What happens to players who return from the auction empty-handed? Being on the other side of glitz and the fanfare, following the IPL 2024 snub, former Punjab Kings bowler Ishan Porel spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Insidesport.IN, as he opened up on his mental make-up since then.
MIND YOU! The lanky bowler is more than a handful in the shorter formats of the game. In List A career for Bengal, he has played 36 matches and picked up 54 wickets, and in T20s, he has 40 scalps in 29 matches. That too with an impressive economy rate of 7.17. Yet, he isn’t a part of any team.
So how did you deal with not getting selected for the IPL 2024 in the auction?
I became accustomed to this early in my career. When I was playing in the World Cup [2018 U-19 WC Winning squad], I sustained an injury. Despite playing through the injury, I wasn’t available for the IPL auction, and as a result, I wasn’t picked by any franchise. Witnessing my teammates being auctioned for high prices while I remained sidelined, made me realize that IPL success isn’t everything.
Although it’s a significant platform for cricketers, my domestic performances have been the cornerstone of my IPL opportunities. If I perform well in domestic cricket, opportunities in the IPL will follow. While not being selected for the IPL can be mentally challenging, dwelling on it isn’t productive.
I must keep moving forward and focus on performing well in every match I play. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial, even when facing setbacks. I remain hopeful and confident that I’ll excel in the upcoming season. I’ll always be ready for any opportunity that comes my way.
Then you didn’t have a great Ranji Trophy. How do you look back?
During the pre-season, I put in a lot of hard work, but unfortunately, things didn’t unfold as I had hoped. Despite this, I understand the importance of not being too harsh on myself. Effective bowling is crucial for taking wickets, and I may have fallen short in that aspect compared to previous seasons.
Typically, I maintain patience and focus on delivering the right line and length, but it seems I may have strayed from that approach this time around. However, I believe setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and I remain optimistic about bouncing back stronger next season. While reflecting on my performance, I acknowledge that the white-ball game showed promise, but there’s always room for improvement in both formats.
With a long injury list in IPL 2024, are you still hopeful for a call from any of the franchises?
Look, I’ll always be prepared to get a call because I’m always a positive person. I always try and stay in a positive frame of mind in any situation in my life, even though the chips are down right now, still I am hopeful. But, I understand that some things are beyond my control. As a sportsperson, I know that injuries are a major concern. I don’t want anyone to get injured for me to get an opportunity. I’m not actively thinking about it, but if the chance does come, I’ll be ready if and when I get a call.
So what is the road ahead for you? How are you planning for the time ahead?
It’s every cricket player’s dream to represent India, but only a select few get the chance. My ultimate goal is to play for my country, and I’m continuously working towards it. I focus on improving myself every single day, especially in terms of fitness. My short-term goal is to perform exceptionally well in upcoming club matches and contribute to the team’s success. As for the offseason, I’ll plan accordingly to ensure I’m ready for the challenges of the next season.
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