KATHMANDU: Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s national cricket team member and leg spinner, is in India to play the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).
He is representing the Delhi Capitals this season of IPL that kicks off from March 23. His team will play against the Mumbai Indians in its first match on March 24.
The 18-year-old leg spinner, who made his debut in the IPL through the Delhi Daredevils last season, is the first Nepali to play the IPL. Last time, he gave an outstanding performance by taking five wickets in the last three matches. He was paid Indian Rupees two million last year. However, the IPL has not declared his wage this time. Lamichhane has already created a history by playing in multiple international cricket matches.
Having coming off an impressive Big Bash League season in Australia, Lamichanne said keeping things simple and working hard have been the keys to success for him. “It is sometimes a struggle to not be playing competitive international cricket or not playing at all when I go back home. But whenever I get the opportunity to play in such leagues, I like to keep things simple and I know that I have to work hard because I don’t get these facilities in Nepal. So whenever I have the chance to play here in IPL and in other leagues, I only focus on performing to the best of my abilities,” said the 18-year-old.
The young spinner, being a huge fan of Shane Warne said that he wants to follow the example of the Australian legend. “I have always admired and idolized Shane Warne the most, and fortunately for me, IPL has given me the chance to meet him. I met him last season where he gave me certain tips to improve my bowling, which also gave me a huge boost in my career. However, I believe, the most important advice that he gave me was to make sure that I bowl with a big and brave heart,” Lamichanne said.
He said, “Last year was a very special year for me as I got the chance to play in the biggest cricket league in the world. IPL 2018 will always be a special memory for me in my career, and I believe that it is the perfect platform for players like me who come from the non-Test playing nations. We now also have Samuel Badree with the team, who himself has been one of the top leg-spinners for the West Indies so I am looking forward to perform under his guidance.”
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