New Delhi: Teen sensation Sandeep Lamichhane had to spend 11 matches warming the Delhi Daredevils (DD) bench for his turn and the spin bowler’s patience was finally rewarded when the Nepalese youngster made an impressive tournament debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL-XI, Saturday.
The 17-year-old became the first player from his nation to land an IPL deal in January but it seemed like an endless wait for the tiny Himalayan nation to see one of their own play in Twenty20 cricket’s most glamorous league across the border.
However, when his chance finally came at Feroz Shah Kotla, Lamicchane grabbed it with both hands to give a good account of himself returning with figures of 4-0-25-1 against a mighty RCB batting lineup, who went on to win the match.
“Obviously it (performance) doesn’t matter if your team is not winning. I’m still happy and looking forward to giving my best again,” Lamichhane told reporters after the game.
Lamichhane also admitted he had been flooded with messages of support after appearing in the IPL two months after Nepal secured their ODI status.
“I’ve got lots of messages from fans all over the world. They were like waiting to see me on the ground, to have a match. Fortunately I got this opportunity today,” the spinner added.
“It was fantastic. I have been training hard with (head coach) Ricky Ponting and he has been an exceptional coach. I’ve learned many things from him. I’m really enjoying each and every moment.”
The spin prodigy made his national team debut at the age of 16 and was Nepal’s highest wicket-taker at the 2016 U-19 World Cup at Malaysia.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke who has played an important role in shaping the youngster’s career inviting Lamicchane to play club cricket in Sydney also congratulated him. “My little buddy @IamSandeep25 gets his first opportunity in the IPL. What an amazing story,” Clarke tweeted.
However, after posting a challenging 181/4 on board, DD skipper Shreyas Iyer opened the bowling with Lamichhane and he kept his captain’s faith striking in his second over, trapping Parthiv Patel in front and nearly dismissed AB de Villiers with his next delivery.
“It was a great opportunity to bowl against the top two batsmen in the world. I got to learn a lot from them,” Lamichhane said.
DD may be out of the play-off race but Lamichhane values what he learned at the team over the last one-and-half months. “There is a long way to go,” he said. “I have to be grounded and stay humble, because I have to play a lot of cricket.” Lamicchane will next be playing for St Kitts and Nevis Pattriots in Caribbean Premier League.