Follow UsThe Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament has always been a great precursor to the domestic season in India. In 2025, as well, it has thrown up some memorable performances that will hold the players and teams in good stead during the domestic season.
The most recent inclusion in the list is Abishek Porel of Bengal, who smashed a 50 off just 42 deliveries in the fourth innings against the TNCA XI team at the Gojan Cricket Ground ‘B’ to take Bengal to victory by 6 wickets. His brisk fifty comes as no surprise, as he has done so on quite a few occasions for his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Delhi Capitals (DC). The southpaw has hit 661 runs in the IPL at a strike rate of close to 150.
Earlier, batting first, the TNCA XI, which is led by swashbuckling batter Shahrukh Khan, made 203 in the first innings with opener Sachin B scoring 57. Off-spinner Rahul Prasad was great for Bengal as he picked 5/44. In return, Bengal did just slightly better and acquired a first-innings lead after putting up 241 on the board. Saurabh Kumar Singh scored a 79 at number three, and Porel scored 44 crucial runs down the order to help their team to a lead which proved crucial in the third innings.
TNCA could score only 213 in the third innings, as left-arm spinner Vishal Bhati picked up 6/75. Needing a below-200 score in the fourth innings, Bengal were always going to be favourites, and that’s where Porel stepped in and scored a quick-fire half-century down the order after Sudip Kumar Gharami added 70 at number three to finish the game.
Porel, at just 22 years of age, has already become a star player in the Bengal side, and he showed his utility lower down the order yet again as Bengal registered a fine victory in the Buchi Babu tournament this year. With this win, Bengal also topped their group (Group C) in the tournament.