Ishan Porel can dismiss Virat Kohli in current form, says Bengal's coach Arun Lal

In the wake of Ishan Porel’s stunning display against Karnataka in the ongoing Ranji Trophy semifinal, Bengal head coach Arun Lal believes that the pacer is ready for international cricket. Not only that, but Arun Lal also insisted that Porel can even trouble India skipper Virat Kohli with his bowling. The Bengal coach was all praise for the way the former India U19 pacer is operating at the moment.

Porel was at his devastating best in the game against Karnataka. He took five for just 39 runs in the first innings that helped Bengal bowl out the opposition for just 122 and steer his side to the victory. Porel impressed in the second innings too and dismissed in-form KL Rahul for a duck with a vicious inswinger on the eve of the third day.

“He’s in great form at the moment. He’s bowling deliveries that can get big batsmen out, like a KL Rahul, or a Virat Kohli. He’s bowling that kind of bowling,” Lal told reporters after day three of their Ranji semifinals.

“He’s bowling it in that channel. You won’t see him bowling one outside leg stump. He’s testing you all the time. He doesn’t give too many runs that’s another pressure. KL Rahul is at the peak of his ability at the moment. You watch him scoring runs, he’s magnificent, terrific. It’s a great achievement to get him out cheaply,” he added.

Arun Lal gives a piece of advice to Ishan Porel

With Ishan Porel impressing with the red-ball, Arun Lal delivered a piece of advice for the youngster. The former cricketer urged Porel to focus on white-ball cricket now in order to become an all-format player. Porel will be soon seen playing for Kings XI Punjab in the upcoming edition of the IPL. Given the way he has performed in the Ranji Trophy, it would be surprising if his franchise does not give him ample chances.

“Playing IPL gives you huge experience, mental make up and confidence. If you get International batsmen out, win match it’s huge and adds another dimension to you. The world today demands that you play all formats. If I’m a cricketer today, I would like to play all three formats. I would like to be good enough in all three formats. He needs to do that as well,” Lal said.

Lal feels the key for the tall pacer would be to add more variations to his arsenal. He advised Porel to use his high arm action to advantage and develop slower ones and yorker.

“He needs to get the slower ones, the yorker like anybody else in the country. I think he can do it. He has the height. He’s got a very high-arm delivery. He’s not a round arm action. His yorkers are pretty lethal once he starts getting it. I think he will be an asset in white ball cricket as well if not now maybe a year down the line,” said Lal.