What makes Sandeep Lamichhane an IPL prodigy?
Published on: Mar 8, 2018 4:50 pm IST|Updated on: May 14, 2018 1:56 pm IST
Sandeep Lamichhane, the latest historic addition to the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League is the latest spin bowling sensation of cricket world.
The Nepal leggie was snapped up by Delhi Daredevils for INR 20 Lakh.
He made his mark with a Man of the Series performance at the #WCL2 to get Nepal into the qualifiers for the ICC Cricket World Cup!
Can he produce some more magic? All the best, @IamSandeep25!#DilDilli #CWCQ #ZIMvNEP pic.twitter.com/UTvfUkKNMf
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 4, 2018
What is so significant about Lamichhane’s selection?
Sandeep made his national debut at the tender age of 15 and went on to become Nepal’s leading wicket-taker at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup.
His prodigal performance earned him a personal invitation from former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke for training in Sydney.
He is the first Nepali player to secure an IPL contract.
Also Read: Cricketers who played 10 years for a single IPL franchise
The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dream ✌️ pic.twitter.com/2EaPV0k1K5
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) February 15, 2018
First Player to sign CPL:
After two months of securing an IPL contract, Sandeep was bought by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for a fee of $5,000 for the Caribbean Premier League.
The 17-year old was selected for the sixth edition of CPL T20 tournament through an auction which was held on March 01, 2018.
His selection was based on his stellar performance at the ICC Division-2 tournament, where Nepal entered 2019 World Cup Qualifiers.
Excited to be announced as the player of @sknpatriots for this season of @CPL ! Thanks to @sknpatriots team for showing your faith in me ! And thanks to all the fans and well wishers for your love and support. ? pic.twitter.com/1QtM0Ge0z6
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) March 1, 2018
U-19 World Cup- Sandeep’s Bazooka:
Sandeep’s Lamichhane rose into prominence during the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.
He emerged as the second highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets, at an average of 17 and an economy of 4.67 in six matches.
He took a hat-trick against Ireland and became the fifth bowler to bag a hat-trick in an Under-19 World Cup.
Also Read: 5 Uncapped Players to watch out for
A message for Nepali cricket fans and some high praise for @IamSandeep25's approach, from the man who spotted the spark in him, @MClarke23.#DilDilli pic.twitter.com/WdLynnT5GY
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) February 1, 2018
The road to success:
‘When I saw Sandeep’s action and fluency of bowling, I told our technical analyst Raman that this boy would become the best bowler for Nepal in a couple of years,’ quoted the then Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake.
‘I had to struggle with the board and the selectors who were reluctant to take him on board as he didn’t come through the system playing regional tournaments,’ he added.
After going through many difficulties, Lamichhane finally got his passport for the U-19 World Cup and did wonders there.
Thanks to all the fans and well wishers for your blessings !! @IPL @DelhiDaredevils ? pic.twitter.com/NqV0CdGje3
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) January 29, 2018
Above all, yet grounded:
Sandeep says, “I’m still the same. I don’t feel anything has changed. I don’t want to change.
“I want to a good person rather than being a good cricketer as it will define me in the long run. I am extremely thankful to God for all these moments,” he added.
With the summer pitched IPL all set to thrill the audience, debutant Sandeep Lamichhane would be making his country proud.
All eyes are looking forward to witness the magic of Sandeep’s bowling spells in the cricket extravaganza of IPL.
#IPL is known to change lives overnight & has truly made cricket a global game..In that vein, one of the stories of the #IPLAuction for me is Nepal's young @IamSandeep25!
Spoke to Ponting & Dan Vettori who both reckon he'll be one to watch @IPL @DelhiDaredevils! ??#IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/f6dq3AYYw9
— Suhail Chandhok (@suhailchandhok) January 28, 2018