Ishan Porel has made some rapid strides and seems ready for the big leap, assessed Bengal Ranji team coach Arun Lal, who also felt that the young pacer can trouble even India skipper Virat Kohli.
The 21-year-old Porel was at his fiery best on Monday as he caught India batsman KL Rahul plumb with a sharp inswinger to leave Karnataka reeling at 98 for three in the Ranji Trophy semifinal.
"He's in great form at the moment. He's bowling deliveries that can get big batsmen out, like a KL Rahul, or a Virat Kohli. He's bowling that kind of bowling," Lal told reporters after day three of their Ranji semifinals.
"He's bowling it in that channel. You won't see him bowling one outside leg stump. He's testing you all the time. He doesn't give too many runs that's another pressure. KL Rahul is at the peak of his ability at the moment. You watch him scoring runs, he's magnificent, terrific. It's a great achievement to get him out cheaply."
"I know he has the ability to get the big batsmen out. We are giving him the leeway and rope to go flat out, bowl five-six overs at a stretch."
"If I'm a cricketer today, I would like to play all three formats. I would like to be good enough in all three formats. He needs to do that as well."
"His yorkers are pretty lethal once he starts getting it. I think he will be an asset in white ball cricket as well if not now maybe a year down the line."