In a thrilling moment during Match 48 of the IPL 2025 season, Delhi Capitals’ young wicketkeeper-batsman Abishek Porel stole the spotlight with a brilliant catch that left fans and commentators equally stunned. The incident occurred at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on April 29, during Delhi’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The 21-year-old, who has been steadily growing in confidence this season, was handed the wicketkeeping responsibilities in this high-pressure game. Notably, KL Rahul played purely as a fielder, giving the gloves to Porel, who has earned a reputation as a safe and agile gloveman. And he lived up to that reputation, pulling off a couple of sharp stops in the early overs before producing a moment of magic in the third.
ALSO READ: Anushka Sharma Introduces the Real Virat Kohli: Calm, Chill, and Her Best Friend
It was the final delivery of the third over when Mitchell Starc, bowling a deceptive yorker-length delivery, found the outside edge of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s bat. The KKR opener, who looked dangerous with 26 runs off just 12 balls, attempted to dig out the delivery but ended up edging it. The ball flew low to Porel’s right, and the young keeper showed quick reflexes and soft hands to dive across and take a stunning catch just inches above the turf.
The dismissal broke a blossoming opening stand and gave DC the momentum early in the innings, removing a well-set Gurbaz when KKR had just reached 48. Porel’s athleticism and awareness behind the stumps were widely praised on social media and by former cricketers, who lauded the youngster’s presence of mind and skill under pressure.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) April 29, 2025
At the toss, Delhi skipper Axar Patel explained his decision to bowl first, noting the dew factor and backing his bowlers to contain the opposition. He said the surface looked a bit slow and expected a 190-200 scoreline if conditions remained consistent. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, meanwhile, brought in Anukul Roy for the match, citing spin as a key factor on what appeared to be a tricky pitch to read.
ALSO READ: Pratika Rawal Smashes ODI Record: Fastest to 500 Runs in Women’s Cricket
As the match unfolded, Porel’s sharp glovework proved to be a defining early moment, adding a vital edge to Delhi’s defence.
