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Rishabh Pant was fantastic behind the stumps but here’s what else stood out in DC’s big win at Narendra Modi Stadium | Ipl News

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Porel plays for the team, with flair

An innings of 15 is often relegated to a footnote, if mentioned at all. And Delhi Capitals’ win was more or less confirmed during the first innings of the game itself. But Abishek Porel’s short knock showed that there was something about the 21-year-old from Bengal. He had caught the eye with some big hitting in the opening game of the season against Punjab Kings, but had not done much since. But given the licence to go after a low total, the left-hander unleashed some spectacular shots. He faced just seven legal deliveries, but the three boundaries he hit showcased some class.

Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson’s back-of-a-length ball was punched through the offside without much flourish. The next ball, an attempted short one, didn’t rise above waist height and Porel swivel-pulled to the deep backward square-leg fence. When Sandeep Warrier chose back of a length, Porel even showed some erstwhile Caribbean flair as he raised one leg to pull the ball deep into the stands. Apart from the shots, it was the intent to keep going after the bowling in the team’s interest that would have pleased the team management.

Ishant still burning bright

Age 35 and in the twilight of his career. Fast bowler Ishant Sharmalike an old war horse, has been a bankable bowler for Delhi Capitals this season. The ‘wow ball’ arrived when he bowled KKR’s Andrew Russell with a 144kph delivery, which saw the batsman applaud as he walked back to the pavilion. But except when Mumbai posted 234 and all Delhi Capitals bowlers went at over 8.5 runs per over, Ishant has kept it pretty tidy. He used a wide-slower ball to fox GT star and captain Shubman Gill into mistiming his shot. Gill ended up giving an easy catch to the cover fielder. Ishant has picked up six wickets so far, not too bad for someone who does not play regularly. The yorker to Russell is the much-talked about ball, but Ishant had also bowled Punjab Kings’ Shikhar Dhawan with a quick delivery that was clocked at nearly 140 kph. He has completed his full quota in just one of the six games he has featured in this year, yet has shown glimpses of his skill more than once.

Warrier spirit fells Shaw

Prithvi Shaw wanted to pound the ball with a horizontal bat but it came at him faster than he thought and had him in all sorts of trouble. The bouncer was delivered by fast bowler Sandeep Warrier, making his Gujarat Titans debut. The ball was well directed — zoning in and climbing at a good pace toward Shaw’s head. Shaw paid the price for zero foot movement and no transfer of weight. If he had gone back, he would have been in a better position to handle the bouncer. But Shaw is all hand-eye-coordination — a method that works well in the IPL. Except that a surprise ball can create issues. Shaw’s other option was to duck out of the way. Instead, he first looked like he was lining up for the pull but at the last moment was forced to fend off the ball awkwardly. The ball ballooned in the air and Spencer Johnson took an easy catch at short third man. Warrier saw the second ball he delivered hit for a six over his head by Delhi Capitals opener Jake Fraser-McGurk. But he redeemed himself with the short ball to Shaw. A saving grace on a forgettable day for his team.

Pant’s smooth glove work

How good Rishabh Pant has been with the gloves has been overlooked a bit since his comeback. His batting has been in focus but behind the stumps, Pant has been pretty smooth. Another example of his agility and anticipation was witnessed when Pant coolly dived to his left to catch a dipping ball that resulted in the dismissal of the dangerous David Miller.

Ishant Sharma was bowling around the wicket to the left-handed Miller and he got the ball to angle in. Miller closed the face of his bat hoping to steer the ball to the leg side. Credit to Pant that he didn’t move even though he would have lost sight of the incoming ball to Miller. From going one way, the ball suddenly went the other way after taking an edge. Pant made it look easier than it seemed because he didn’t lose his balance and was ready to move as the ball hurtled away from him. There was an appeal but the umpire didn’t give it which resulted in Pant using a review. The Ultraedge only confirmed what Pant was sure of. He also effected two stumpings. Quick hands and great glove work.

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