U-19 WC: Porel played with injury, should skip Vijay Hazare, says coach

Kolkata, Feb 3 - Indian medium-pacer Ishan Porel played the final three knockout matches of the ICC U19 World Cup despite not having fully recovered from a foot injury, his coach Bibhash Das said on Saturday. "It's was not exactly an

India, who have been unbeaten throughout the ICC U19 World Cup, rode on opener Manjot Kalra's unbeaten 101 to thrash Australia by eight wickets in the final at Tauranga in New Zealand.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Australia rode on Jonathan Merlo's steady 102-ball 76 -- laced with six boundaries -- to set up a modest 216-run total.

Porel drew first blood, removing openers Jack Edwards and Max Bryant and eventually returning figures of 2/30 in seven overs.

In their chase, India faced little difficulty as Kalra steered the chase along with wicketkeeper Harvik Desai 47 not out), reaching the target in 38.5 overs.

Porel had shot to the limelight during the semi-final against Pakistan when he snared four wickets for just 17 runs in six overs. Chasing 273 for victory, Pakistan were bundled out for a paltry 69.

"He was brilliant in that match. Coming back from an injury, he played against Bangladesh but to take four wickets against Pakistan speaks volumes about your talent and strength. He broke down after that injury. I spoke to him at length during that time and tried to divert his mind. I kept motivating him," Das said.

After bowling just 4.1 overs against Australia in India's opening Group B match, Porel got injured and had to leave the field. 

He was unable to play in India's other group matches against Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe before returning to action in the quarter-final against Bangladesh.

Porel did not get a wicket in that game but was very economical, with figures of 5-2-8-0.

"The U-19 World Cup is definitely a great exposure. Not everyone gets an opportunity to play in the World Cup, even the likes of V.V.S. Laxman did not get a chance. But the journey begins now. You have to keep working hard," Das said.

Das also asserted that speed and bounce are Porel's main strengths. 

"He can consistently bowl at 135kph. He has shown that in the Ranji Trophy. His forte has been speed and bounce... He's not a swing bowler per say, but he has a natural ability to to generate off the seam movement and more bounce," the coach said.

Das signed off by saying that Porel's next target should be the senior World Cup in 2019.

"In fact, he's struggling with his height, finding it difficult to cope up the sudden growth in a few years. When I first saw him seven-eight years back he was 5 feet 10 inches, now he has a lanky frame of six feet three inches," he said. 

"The biggest challenge for him, and me, is to keep him physically fit so that he could bowl with full strength. We will do our best. Porel should target the 2019 World Cup now."

Meanwhile, Porel's father, Chandranath, said it's a "fairy-tale comeback" for the 19-year old after the foot injury.

"It's been a fairy-tale comeback for Ishan from his (foot) injury. He won the match for us against Pakistan," he said.

On the celebrations at home, Chandranath said: "Thousands from our 'para' (neighbourhood) have gathered here and are celebrating the win with drum beats. We have sweets for all."

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IANS