XtraTime Newsdesk

This century eased a great deal of pain and helped him overcome many sorrows. That was perhaps why Abhishek Porel broke down in tears after scoring a hundred for Bengal against Delhi in their Ranji Trophy match in Kalyani on Tuesday. The cricketer had been granted bail only a few days ago . Returning to the field, he responded with an unbeaten century. Understandably, the Bengal cricketer struggled to contain his emotions.

Immediately after reaching the three-figure mark, Porel sat down on his knees, buried his face and broke down in tears. He took a few moments before getting back to his feet and raising his bat to acknowledge the applause. Meanwhile, his teammates in the dressing room continued to congratulate him.

Porel returned to action after IPL 2026. Following his release on bail, he was selected for Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, marking his return to competitive cricket.

Since making his first-class debut for Bengal in 2022, this is Porel's second first-class century.

A Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official said that Porel's personal and legal issues were entirely his own. The official added that the association would consider taking any appropriate steps if the situation changed, but there was nothing it could do regarding the matter at present.

Porel was not the only Bengal batter to score a century. Sudip Gharami also reached three figures, putting Bengal in a commanding position against Delhi. After restricting Delhi to 240, Bengal finished the second day on 304 for three, taking a substantial lead.

Porel remained unbeaten on 114, with his innings featuring 13 fours and a six. Gharami was also unbeaten on 122 off 221 balls.

Earlier, Mohammed Shami had led Bengal's bowling attack on the opening day, claiming four wickets. Akash Deep picked up two wickets, while Mukesh Kumar took one. Their impressive performances put Delhi on the back foot, and the centuries from Gharami and Porel have since strengthened Bengal's position in the match.