IPL 2021: Ishan Porel wants to dismiss Virat Kohli in the tournament

Ishan Porel will be hoping that he gets a chance to showcase his skills in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, the right-arm pacer just did not play a game. Despite the pace attack of the team not delivering to the expectations on most occasions, Punjab Kings did not give Porel a single chance.

The Bengal star warmed the bench throughout the season. But he would be fancying his chances in IPL 2021. Porel has put his injury woes behind and looked in good form in domestic games. He picked up 13 wickets from five matches for Bengal in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finished the competition as the fifth-highest wicket-taker.

And while only time will tell how the season pans out for him, Ishan Porel has set a lofty target for himself in the upcoming season. He wants to dismiss none other than India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli. He also termed the 32-year-old as the best all-format batsman.

“Virat Kohli,” Ishan told Hindustan Times when asked about his dream wicket in IPL 2021. “On a funnier side, I got KL bhai out in a Ranji Trophy match so I’ve ticked that box. And obviously, Rohit Sharma is great off fast bowling. He can hit those good-length balls with ease. Obviously, picking those wickets would be a dream-come-true for me because I’ve seen them win matches for India while growing up. But yes, I would like to take the wicket of Virat Kohli because he is the No. 1 batsman in all three formats.

My goal would be to give my 120 percent, says Ishan Porel

Ishan Porel also talked about his team’s poor bowling performance in IPL 2020 and hoped that Punjab Kings would put up a better show this year. He stated that he would like to shoulder the bowling responsibilities for his team and is aiming to give his 120 percent for the team’s cause as Punjab Kings look to end their long wait of winning the elusive IPL trophy.

“Any player wishes to contribute 100 percent for the team at any given situation. Obviously, the execution part comes in the way when a side is under pressure. Hopefully, this year we will do better in that regard and if I am given the chance, I will look to take that responsibility.

“My goal would be to give my 120 percent and help the team win the trophy. Irrespective of bowling in death overs or in the Powerplay, I just love to bowl. Hopefully, we’ll do well this season,” said the 22-year-old.

Watch five biggest IPL controversies: