Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel marked his return to competitive cricket with an emotional century against Delhi in the opening match of the Ranji Trophy season in Kalyani on Monday. The 23-year-old reached the milestone on Day 2, weeks after being granted bail in a case involving allegations of rape and criminal intimidation.

Porel broke down in tears after completing his century during the final session. He briefly remained on his knees before getting back to his feet, raising his bat and acknowledging the applause from his teammates and the dressing room. The innings marked Porel’s first competitive appearance since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. He was included in Bengal’s squad for the Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi days after a Chinsurah court granted him bail in September.

Porel was arrested on August 11 following a complaint by a medical student from Karnataka. The complainant alleged that he had entered into a relationship with her on the promise of marriage and accused him of rape and criminal intimidation, among other offences. The allegations remain separate from his performances on the cricket field.

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On the field, Porel made a significant contribution, registering his second first-class century in his 33rd match. The left-handed batter made his Bengal debut in 2022 and has received regular opportunities in domestic cricket, although converting starts into substantial scores has been a challenge.

During the previous Ranji Trophy season, he scored 84 runs in three matches for Bengal. His IPL 2026 campaign with Delhi Capitals was also limited, as he featured in only four matches and moved in and out of the playing XI. Porel’s selection for Bengal had attracted attention following the legal developments. The Cricket Association of Bengal maintained that his personal and legal matters were separate from the association’s responsibilities.

🚨”I want to answer everyone through cricket.”

Silence, a bat point, and a gritty century. Abishek Porel opens up on surviving a turbulent phase off the field, the backing of Laxmi Ratan Shukla, and the crucial support from Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma.

@CricSubhayan writes.

@CabCricket

https://t.co/TVzTTXbYKH

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 12, 2026

“His personal and legal matters are his own matters. If the situation changes, we will take the appropriate action. But for now there’s no issue from our side,” a Cricket Association of Bengal official was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. Bengal ended Day 2 at 304/3, establishing a 64-run first-innings lead after dismissing Delhi for 240 on the opening day.

Porel remained unbeaten on 114, including 13 fours and a six. At the other end, Sudip Gharami continued his impressive innings, reaching 122 not out from 221 deliveries. Gharami’s century provided the foundation for Bengal’s response before Porel strengthened their position with a valuable partnership.

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Bengal’s bowling attack also made an impact on the opening day. Mohammed Shami led the effort with four wickets, while Akash Deep claimed two and Mukesh Kumar picked up one. With both Porel and Gharami well established at the crease, Bengal will look to extend their advantage when play resumes on Tuesday.