Delhi Capitals (DC) young wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel recently said that Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya is the mentally toughest cricketer he has met. Porel stated that Hardik is his inspiration, adding that the all-rounder handles pressure and challenges with ease.
Abishek Porel, who made his IPL debut in 2023, played in all 14 matches for Delhi Capitals last year. The left-handed batter amassed 327 runs at an impressive strike rate of 159.51 and was the third-highest run-scorer for the franchise. Delhi Capitals retained him for ₹4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
During an appearance on The Ranveer Show podcast, Abishek Porel said that he tries to spend at least half an hour with Hardik Pandya whenever they meet. Porel added that Pandya always appears calm and unaffected, constantly smiling even in difficult situations.
"My inspiration is Hardik Pandya. His voice reflects how mentally strong he is. I'm close to him, and whenever I get the chance to meet him, I try to spend at least half an hour with him. I want to understand what he does because I truly consider him an inspiration," Abishek Porel said.
"I observe how he carries himself, how he manages to bounce back so effortlessly. He's always so relaxed and smiling. It never looks like anything has affected him. I really admire his mental toughness. I learn a lot from him. Our roles are different. He bats in the middle order, and I open but I want to learn his mindset and mental strength," he added.
DC Fail to Make Playoffs After Stellar Start to IPL 2025
The Delhi Capitals failed to reach the playoffs this season. After winning their first four matches, their momentum declined. They lost four games in a row, including a heavy 59-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians on May 21, which ended their chances of qualifying for the playoffs during the season.
Abishek Porel has scored 301 runs in 13 matches, with an average of 25.08 and an impressive strike rate of 146.82, including one half-century. Delhi Capitals have one league match left against the Punjab Kings on May 24. Porel will look to finish the season on a positive note for himself and the team.
Hardik Pandya Leading Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025
Hardik Pandya took over as captain of the Mumbai Indians for the 2024 IPL season. He replaced Rohit Sharma, who had led the franchise to five titles. The leadership change sparked backlash from fans, many of whom voiced their displeasure online. He was booed by fans even at MI's home ground.
Mumbai finished last with only four wins in 14 games and became the first team eliminated in 2024. They got off to a poor start in the 2025 season but bounced back with an impressive six-game winning streak. The Hardik Pandya-led team became the fourth team to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Now, the five-time champions are aiming for their sixth title, having made it to the IPL playoffs 11 times in their history.
Also read: Mohammed Shami discarded from India tour of England 2025
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