Abishek Porel, the Bengal and Delhi Capitals wicket-keeper, had a decent IPL 2025 with the bat in hand. Just like the 2024 season, he was trusted to bat at the top of the order alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket.

But the season did not turn out the way he would have liked. On most occasions, he got out after getting the start. 

Porel averaged only 25.08, a drop from the 2024 season's 32.70. The main reason for that was him getting out on 30-40 after getting a decent start for his team, Delhi Capitals. And, he knows it hurt his own performance and the team as well. 

That is why Sourav Ganguly wanted the youngster to visit Yuvraj Singh and get some valuable learnings ahead of the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025. 

It was Sourav Ganguly who gave the Bengal wicket-keeper a chance to replace Rishabh Pant in IPL 2023. Porel did his part so well as an impact sub that he went on to play all 14 games for Delhi Capitals next season. Not only that, he was also retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction.

Yuvraj Singh, one of the greatest white-ball cricketers of Indian cricket, is known for his performances in the 2011 ICC World Cup, where he emerged as the Player of the tournament, despite going through cancer. Not only that, his six sixes in an over in India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup are one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket's history.

Read Also | India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

After retiring from international cricket, Yuvraj Singh chose not to pursue a career in commentary. Instead, he decided to help young batters excel at the international level. He began working personally with Punjab cricketers such as Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and several others.

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All of these Punjab batters did exceedingly well after getting trained by Yuvraj. Shubman Gill's career graph went up as he became Indian's latest test captain. Meantime, Abhishek Sharma went on to debut for India T20I format.

After a decent season where Porel feels he could have been better, a session with Yuvraj Singh is what he needed to get everything sorted. The youngster thus went for a camp held by Yuvraj Singh in Delhi, where players like Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, and Prabhsimran Singh were also there.

"Sourav (Ganguly) sir wanted me to visit Yuvraj Singh to learn from one of the greatest batters of Indian cricket. It was all about getting to know how to be ready for the international stage," Porel told Sportz Point in an exclusive interview. 

"We worked on a few basic things, and you know if you stay around a man like Yuvraj Singh, you will get to learn more. I will visit the camp again and will learn more things from him," Porel added. 

Abishek is leading the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers in the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025. In his state's own league, Porel now wants to rectify all of those mistakes he made in IPL 2025 and work on some individual things while leading the team to success. 

"I would love to get through that 30-40 runs zone and score more runs to help the team. That is the goal. Even Sourav (Ganguly) sir also told me that 30-40s are not enough, and I need to score more and look for hundreds," Porel shared. 

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is all set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its cricketers as it announced the awardees for the 2024-25 season. The awards ceremony will recognise exceptional talent across various categories, spanning senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior levels, including under-23, under-19, under-16, under-15, and club league categories. 

When is the C.A.B. Award Ceremony?

As per multiple reports, the C.A.B. Award Ceremony for the 2024-25 season will take place on 30 August 2025 at the Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata.

Who are the winners?

In the senior men’s category, Sudip Gharami was named Cricketer of the Year, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Sayan Ghosh shared the Gentleman Cricketer and Best Fast Bowler awards, respectively. This is the second time Gharami will recieve the Cricketer of the Year Award.

Read Also: Bengal Players in IPL 2025 – Full List & Performance

Sudip Chatterjee earned the Highest Run Getter for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal will be honoured as the Highest Wicket Taker in the same tournament.

Read Also: Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025

The senior women’s category saw Tanusree Sarkar and Dhara Gujjar clinching the Highest Run Getter awards in the T-20 and One Day Tournaments, respectively, with Saika Ishaque recognised as the Highest Wicket Taker in the T-20 Tournament. Tanusree also won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award.

Both Tanusree and Dhara are with the India-A team in Australia at the moment.

Read Also: Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more

Among the junior categories, Rahul Prasad dominated the under-23 men’s section, securing multiple awards, including Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker.

Read Also: From delivering online food to getting selected for India U-19 camp, Rahul Prasad's journey is an inspiring one

Dyuti Paul and Sushmita Ganguly shone in the under-23 women’s category, with Paul named Best Women's U-23 Cricketer and Ganguly as the Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's Under-23 One Day Tournament.

Read Also: Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

In the under-19 category, Vishal Bhati emerged as a key figure, winning Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker, while Ipshita Mondal led the under-19 women’s section with the Highest Run Getter awards.

Sachin Yadav and Sandipta Patra were standout performers in the under-16 and under-15 categories, respectively, with Yadav named Best Bowler and Patra the Highest Run Getter.

The club league category will see Sayan Paul being honoured as the Best Under-19 Cricketer, rounding off a comprehensive recognition of talent across all levels. 

Read Also: Women's Cricket Exclusive: Age 14, 5 feet 8 inches tall, bowls left-arm wrist spin; Debjani Das is all set to be Bengal's next cricketing superstar

Cricket Association of Bengal Award Winners 2024-2025

Senior Men's

Senior Women's

Men's Under-23

Women's Under-23

Men's Under-19

Women's Under-19

Men's Under-16

Women's Under-15

Men's Under-19 Club League

East Zone announced their squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 on Friday, featuring a bowling lineup reminiscent of an Indian team, including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep. However, there is one Bengal pacer who made an entry into the squad after performing well in Ranji Trophy in last two seasons.

Bengal's medium pacer all-rounder Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has been named in the West Zone squad. Ishan Kishan will lead the side, whereas Abhimanyu Easwaran will be the vice-captain of the team. Right after his selection, Suraj shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

Suraj nearly left cricket in 2023

There was one time when Suraj wanted to leave cricket and went into depression. Suraj had already lost his father, but his mother, brother and coach supported him immensely, and their belief turned into a result when he got selected for the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season after a great season with Calcutta Customs Club.

Since then, Suraj has been Bengal's highest wicket-taker in consecutive seasons and has taken 60 wickets in just 12 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 15.43. Suraj feels it is his consistency and process that have given him the results so far.

"Feeling very happy after the selection. These selections give you more confidence that I have been doing well. But, I will have to justify this with better performances," Suraj told Sportz Point.

Reflecting back on his journey, Suraj feels he is on the right track but needs to focus on the present without looking too far.

"You know that I was about to leave cricket. But, I have been able to go through that period and representing Bengal in Ranji Trophy was a dream. Now, when I am going into the next stages of Indian cricket, I need to focus on the things at hand and do what has worked well for me."

Read Also: Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

"I am honoured"

It will not be new for Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal to bowl alongside Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep. In the 2024-25 season, Suraj bowled in tandem with India's one of best, Mohammed Shami. But getting selected for the East Zone team when all of these three bowlers are available makes it more special for him. 

"To be honest, I am honoured. Getting into a squad where all of them (Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep) are there feels special. All of them have played for India, and I am just willing to learn as much as possible from them."

However, it is quite clear as well that with Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep being there, it would be hard for Suraj to get a game. But for Suraj, he never thinks about selection before the match. For him, selection is never in his hands, and that's why he does not want to think about something which is not under his control.

"Even in Ranji Trophy, I do not think about selection. I try to focus on the preparation and getting ready for them. That has been my habit. So, in Duleep Trophy, I will just focus on my preparation," Suraj expressed.

Read Also: Exclusive Akash Pandey: Former Bengal U19 star is inspired by Sarfraz Khan's journey, takes 9/71 against Goa in Ranji Trophy

"Don't want to think too far"

It was in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy where Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep made their names before getting that India cap. Is Suraj thinking about that too?

"No. I just want to keep doing what I have done well to get here," he answered.

"Yes, the dream is to get there (the Indian team). But I do not want to think too far and lose my focus. I trust in God and whatever he chooses for him. I just want to keep improving myself."

Apart from his bowling, Suraj last season proved himself with the bat as well. With his maiden first-class ton against Punjab in the last of the season, Suraj showed he is ready to be an all-rounder as well. By the way, he also took 8 wickets in that match.

"It is about contributing to the team, with bat, ball or fielding. Helping the team is the main goal. Yes, I have been working on my batting as well. So, feels good to have a first-class ton beside my name, but I need to keep improving.

Read Also: Fast, accurate and fearless: Nuruddin Mondal bowling bouncer to life every day | Bengal Cricket Exclusive

East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

Ishan Kishan (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sandeep Pattnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami.

Stand bys: Mukhtar Hussain, Aasirwad Swain, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Swastik Samal, Sudip Kr Gharami, Rahul Singh.

Duleep Trophy 2025 Schedule

Cricket is a game played in partnership. No matter how good you are, you can not survive without a partner at the non-striker end. Therefore, cricketers form bonds that extend beyond the cricket field and last a lifetime. On this Friendship Day, we bring you the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.

5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history

#1 Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly

Well, if you talk about partnerships in cricket and do not talk about Sachin and Sourav, you are doing a sin. The Indian pair is one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history. Their cricketing friendship dates back to U-17 days. Sourav and Sachin met each other there and toured with the India U-17 team. Although Sachin went on to represent India at a very young age, their friendship remained the same.

Read Also: Sourav Ganguly Records

In fact, it was Sachin and Sourav who transformed the Indian team post the match-fixing scandal. They both scored 6609 runs as an opening pair in ODI cricket, which is a record in itself. Also, they scored the most number of hundred-run partnerships in ODI cricket, with 21 as an opening pair and 26 overall.

They scored 8227 ODI runs as a pair in ODI cricket, a record that might not be broken ever.

#2 Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene

These two Sri Lankan stalwarts dominated world cricket as a pair throughout their career. In fact, they were the only reason, along with Muralitharan, that Sri Lanka ruled cricket in the mid-2000s. Sri Lanka became unbeatable on their home soil on the banks of partnerships of Sanga and Mahela.

Read Also: Most international sixes in Cricket by Captains

They both piled up runs with ease in international cricket. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene scored 6554 runs together in test cricket, which is only second to Dravid and Tendulkar's 6920 runs. Their 624-run partnership against South Africa in 2006 is still the highest at any batting position in test cricket.

Kumar and Mahela now own restaurants together. Also, they are trying to help Sri Lankan cricket get back on their feet.

Read Also: Top 10 teams with the most wins in T20I cricket

#3 Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath

Probably the greatest bowling pair in cricket history, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath played together and ended their cricket careers together. Perhaps it was because of them that Australia would win against any opposition and at any place.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to dust, If McGrath can't get you, Warne must.

This old saying about Warne and McGrath reveals their greatness. Moreover, it talks about how they used to hunt in pairs. Though Warne was a bit flamboyant in his life, this duo's cricketing friendship ended many batsmen's careers. Warne is the highest wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 wickets, while McGrath is the second highest with 157 wickets. They both played 104 Tests in tandem and took 1,011 wickets. In fact, Wisden has stated them to be the greatest bowling pair of all time.

Read Also: Most Wickets in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup

#4 AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn

The only batting-bowling pair on our special list of best cricketing friendships. Dale Styen and AB de Villiers started their career together and literally made South Africa the best cricket team in the world. 

Though the pair could not win any major ICC trophies for South Africa, they were the best Test team in the world during their time. Steyn finished his career as the highest test wicket-taker for South Africa (439), beating Shaun Pollock's record of 421 test wickets. Meantime, AB Deviliers is known as one of the most complete batters ever.

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Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

#5 Waqar Yunis and Wasim Akram

Waqar and Wasim are probably the most lethal bowling pair in modern cricket. The duo from Pakistan dominated the world with sheer pace and swing. Perhaps, Waqar is said to be the best reverse-swing bowler ever, while Wasim Akram is said to be the "sultan of swing" (king of swing).

If Waqar could break your toes, Wasim could too. They both complemented each other so well that they took 500 test wickets in 61 test matches together. They are both probably the best pacers that Pakistan has ever produced.

Read Also: Fastest to complete 200 Test wickets by balls bowled

Wasim finished as the bowler with the most wickets in ODI cricket, alongside being the highest wicket-taker in international cricket as a left-arm pacer.

Other than these pairs, the world has seen many great friendships like Virat-ABD, Bravo-Pollard, Dravid-Kumble and Smith-Marnus over the years. We have chosen the best from 5 separate countries.

Note: The article was first published on Aug 1, 2021 and then got updated over time.

Few legacies in sports are as enduring and inspiring as those of father-son duos who have left an unforgettable mark on the game. Cricket is filled with iconic father-son duos who have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. While some sons struggled to meet the towering expectations set by their fathers, others rose above the legacy, stepping out of their father’s shadow to make their own mark.

In this article, we will take a look at the cricket facts of father-Son duos who played for India.

Also Read: 10 Forgotten Indian Cricketers and Their Stories

Cricket facts | Father-Son duos who played for India

Hemant (Father) and Hrishikesh Kanitkar (Son)

A former Indian cricketer, Hemant Kanitkar was a versatile batsman who played for Maharashtra and two international games for India in 1974.

Later on, his son Hrishikesh Kantikar went on to make his India debut as an all-rounder, playing two Tests and 34 ODIs. 

Vijay Manjrekar (Father) and Sanjay Manjrekar (Son)

Vijay Manjrekar represented the Indian team from 1950 onwards. His 222-run partnership with Vijay Hazare against England etched his name in history. He played 53 Tests for India. 

Sanjay Manjrekar also joined the Indian cricket team in 1987 and played 111 matches. But his career did not last long. Sanjay played 37 Tests and 74 ODIs for the country before he was bogged down by the weight of expectations thrust on him. 

Roger Binny (Father) and Stuart Binny (Son)

Stuart Binny and Roger Binny have also played international cricket for India. Roger is currently the BCCI chief and he played a total of 99 matches in international cricket for India, in which he took 124 wickets. Apart from this, he also scored 1459 runs. 

On the other hand, Stuart's career was not very long. He played a total of 23 matches in international cricket for India.

Lala Amarnath (Father) and Mohinder Amarnath Surinder Amarnath (Son)

Lala Amarnath played 24 Test matches between 1933 and 1952, he also played 186 first class matches. His two sons Mohinder Amarnath and Surinder Amarnath also became cricketers. 

Mohinder played 69 Tests and 85 ODIs. Surinder played 10 Tests and 3 ODIs. Mohinder Amarnath was the hero of the 1983 World Cup victory and was considered one of the best pace bowling batsmen of his time. Surinder Amarnath had made a record of scoring a century in his first Test.

Sunil Gavaskar (Father) and Rohan Gavaskar (Son)

Both Sunil Gavaskar and his son Rohan Gavaskar have played international cricket for India. Gavaskar is considered India's greatest batsman. He is the first player to reach the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. He played a total of 233 international matches for India. 

On the other hand, his son Rohan could play only 11 ODI matches for India.

Also Read: Best Indian Sports Biopics of All Time

Yograj Singh (Father) and Yuvraj Singh (Son)

Both Yuvraj Singh and his father Yograj Singh have played international cricket for India. Yograj Singh's career was not very long. He played only 1 Test and 6 ODI matches for India. In both formats, he scored a total of only 11 runs.

On the other hand, Yograj Singh's son Yuvraj Singh has been a famous all-rounder. He played a total of 402 matches in international cricket for India, in which he scored 11778 runs. During this, he also took 148 wickets. 

Yuvi performed brilliantly in the ODI World Cup 2011 and scored 362 runs. Apart from this, he also took 15 wickets. Due to this, he received the Player of the Tournament award.

The Lord's Cricket Ground, with its iconic pavilion an rich history, has witnessed countless thrilling battles. For Indian batters, playing at this venue has been both challenging and rewarding. 

We are about to take a look at the list of most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. It took immense patience, dedication, and skill to face best bowlers around the world and score consistently. 

Get ready to find how some legacies are unmatched till date.

1. Dilip Vengsarkar | 508 runs

Dilip Vengsarkar stands at the top with 508 runs in 8 innings. It's been 35 years since his last appearance at Lord's, yet no Indian batter could come close to his remarkable numbers.

He was known for his elegant style and solid technique, which suited the English conditions. His 157 runs knock in the 1982 test was a monumental effort, which showed a glimpse of potential against a strong bowling attack.

Despite not being his highest, the unbeaten 126 against England in the 1986 Lord's test was the most memorable knock. It contributed to India's first-ever victory at the venue and broke a years-long curse.

Read Also: ENG vs IND Test at Lord's: Every result from India vs England test at Lord's

Vengsarkar's stats at Lord's:

2. Rahul Dravid | 354 runs

The 'Wall' of test cricket, Rahul Dravid, holds the 2nd spot with 354 runs in 7 innings. He specialised in soaking up pressure and batting for longer periods with e disciplined approach.

He scored two half-centuries and an unbeaten 103* in the drawn test of 2011. Having multiple test batting records to his name, Dravid proves his enduring class by making it to the top in here as well. 

Dravid stats at Lord's:

3. Sunil Gavaskar | 340 runs

One of India's greatest openers, Sunil Gavaskar, amassed 340 runs across 10 innings to earn his deserved spot in the top 3. He consistently helped the team to have a good start, laying the foundation of big totals.

While Gavaskar didn't register a century at Lord's, his highest score of 59 runs, made in 1979, was part of a solid partnership for India's chase in a high-scoring draw.

Read Also: Most Test Wickets Taken by Indian Bowlers at Lord's

Gavaskar stats at Lord's:

4. Vinoo Mankad | 333 runs

Vinoo Mankad, a brilliant all-rounder, features impressively high on this list despite playing only 4 innings. He scored 333 runs and also holds the record for highest individual score by an Indian batter at Lord's, for his 184 runs in 1952.

Mankad's limited appearances at this venue were nothing short of legendary. He also equally contributed with the ball, displaying commendable all-around efforts.

Mankad stats at Lord's:

5. Gundappa Viswanath | 272 runs

Known for wristy elegance, Gundappa Viswanath holds the 5th spot on this list for most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. He scored 272 runs in 8 innings with his unique style.

Viswanath's century of 113 in the 1979 Test against England was a masterclass. It was a significant innings, particularly as it came in a match where India were chasing a massive target and ultimately secured a famous draw.

Read Also: Indian players to record two hundreds in a Test match

Viswanath stats at Lord's:

Most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's (Top 10)