Abishek Porel hits Ranji century days after bail in rape case, breaks down in tears

Bengal wicketkeeper Abishek Porel hit a century on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy season opener against Delhi in Kalyani on Monday, weeks after he was granted bail in a case involving allegations of rape and intimidation.

The 23-year-old dropped to his knees and broke down in tears after reaching the triple-digit mark in the final drive. It took him a few seconds to get to his feet, raise his bat and acknowledge the applause of the locker room and his teammates. Abishek Porel celebrates his Ranji Trophy hundred in Kalyani (PTI Photo)

Porel’s emotional celebration came on his return to competitive cricket after the 2026 Indian Premier League season. He was named in Bengal’s squad for the season opener against Delhi a few days after released on bail by a Chinsurah court in September.

Porel was arrested on August 11 following a complaint by a medical student from Karnataka. The complainant alleged that Porel entered into a relationship with her based on the promise of marriage and accused him of rape and intimidation, among other things.

On the field, Porel made the most of his opportunity to bring up his second first-class century in the 33rd match. After making his Bengal debut in 2022, the left-handed batsman has had consistent opportunities in domestic cricket but has struggled to convert them into substantial scores. He managed 84 runs in three matches for Bengal last season.

Porel featured in just four matches for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 and found himself out of the playing XI. He has not played competitive cricket since the end of the tournament.

His inclusion in the Bengal squad attracted attention as a result of the allegations. The Cricket Association of Bengal has distanced itself from Porela’s personal and legal affairs.

“His personal and legal matters are his own business. If the situation changes, we will take appropriate action. But there is no problem from our side yet,” a Cricket Association of Bengal official said, according to ESPNcricinfo.

IN BENGAL COMMAND

Bengal, meanwhile, ended Day 2 on 304 for three as they bowled out Delhi for 240 on Sunday, taking a 64-run first innings lead.

Porel remained unbeaten on 114 as he hit boundaries of 6 and 13, while Sudip Gharami was not out on 122 off 221 deliveries. Gharami’s century laid the foundation for Bengal’s strong reply before Porel extended their advantage with an unbeaten partnership.

Bengal will look to build on their lead when the two centurions resume their innings on Tuesday. Mohammed Shami led Bengal’s bowling effort on the opening day, taking four wickets while Akash Deep took two and Mukesh Kumar one. Delhi’s batting line-up struggled against the pace attack, with Hrithik Shokeen the only batsman apart from the lower order to put up significant resistance.

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