I could not have imagined that I would get an opportunity to tour West Indies, exclaims Sandeep Warrier

The past twelve months have been a roller-coaster ride for the swing bowler from Kerala. However, Warrier is not complaining. Over the last few years, he has thrived under the workload as Kerala’s strike bowler in all the domestic competitions. Finally, last year, some recognition came his way when the Kolkata Knight Riders picked him up in the IPL auction.

But just when it seemed like another IPL season would pass by without Warrier getting a chance, he was given a shot in the final few games of the season. And the 28-year-old grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In only his second match, against Kings XI Punjab, he took the wickets of Chris Gayle, and the in-form K.L. Rahul — completely outfoxing him with a dipping slower ball.

That was enough to make the national selectors sit up and take notice. As a reward, he was included in the India A team against the touring Sri Lanka A side. Warrier continued to impress in those matches, especially in the two unofficial Test matches.

Now, as Saini has been picked in the senior squad, who is also touring West Indies, Warrier has been called up as the replacement for the remaining unofficial Test matches. 

“I had hopes about making the team for the West Indies after my good show in the Lankan series, but had given up all hopes when I was woken up in the night by a call from chief selector M.S.K. Prasad,” Warrier told Sportstar.

The man from the south of India is already en route to Port of Spain, where the two matches will be played.  

“Earlier this year, I had enjoyed watching England's Test series in the West Indies, but I could not have imagined that I would get an opportunity to tour those places as part of an Indian team,” he said.

Warrier, who has picked up 160 first-class wickets in just 48 matches, is more relieved of finally getting the recognition he so richly deserves.

“I am of course delighted that my hard work has been finally recognised. But I am more relieved rather, for there were times when I had even contemplated quitting the game,” Warrier added.