IPL 2018: Nepal star Sandeep Lamichhane was ‘shocked’ when he was called for Delhi Daredevils trials
Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane revealed that he was ‘shocked’ when he received a mail from DD CEO Hemant Dua to attend the trails. The 17-year-old also admitted that he is getting to learn a lot and praised Gautam Gambhir for giving youngsters a chance to succeed at the highest level.
There might have been only two teams that might have qualified for the 2019 World Cup from the 10 that played the Qualifiers but there was one team that extracted the most of the recently concluded event - Nepal. The Asian minnow
Nepal Cricket is undoubtedly on its rise and there is a certain 17-year-old who has been creating headlines for a few months now. Sandeep Lamichhane was picked by Delhi Daredevils at his base price (Rs 20 Lakh) and the entire country had rejoiced his selection. He became the first player from Nepal to be picked in the IPL after having been a part of teams in the Caribbean Premier League and the Hong Kong T20 Blitz.
However, Lamichhane revealed that he was ‘shocked’ and didn’t expect an IPL call-up.
“When I was in Nepal, I was practicing one evening (around 6 pm) and I got a mail from DD CEO Hemant Dua. They called me for the trials and I was actually shocked. I didn’t expect it all. I was a bit excited and nervous as well. I was expecting trials to happen at Feroz Shah Kotla but due to rains, it happened indoors. I bowled a few deliveries, good and line length. It was good,” Sandeep Lamichhane was quoted saying by Indian Express.
The IPL has given youngsters, not only from India but around the world, a platform to showcase their talent. It has acted as a launch-pad for the careers for many cricketers, especially the young ones.
“Got a lot of experience in two and three days and getting to learn a lot. Some of the balls which can’t be hit by associate batsmen can be smashed by international batsmen,” he said.
Lamichhane also spoke highly of skipper Gautam Gambhir and coach Ricky Ponting calling his interactions with the duo as precious.
“Gambhir is a person who loves giving chance to youngsters. From the first day, he was very caring for me as well. It gives a lot of positiveness when a captain believes in you. Ricky Ponting is a fantastic guy who loves cricket. There are lots of things – from entering the ground to how to love your game and his passion. It’s always a precious when you share the dressing room with these kinds of legends,” Lamichhane revealed.
The ICC’s decision to reduce the number of teams in the World Cup to 10 has been criticized by ex-cricketers and fans alike. This 10-team event meant that the Associate nations don’t get enough opportunities to play against the bigger teams and the 2019 edition will be the first one in history not to include an associate nation. The 17-year-old Lamichhane also voiced his opinion against the 10-team World Cup.
“Every player dreams of playing a World Cup and this time the number of teams has been reduced to 10. ICC should have increased the number of teams as it would give a chance for players to fulfil their dreams,” the 17-year-old leg-spinner added.
The IPL will also be a big boost to Nepal cricket as looking at Sandeep Lamichhane, it will encourage the youngsters to take the game and perform for their national side.
“We were nowhere in cricket for the last two years. After gaining ODI status it gives lots of opportunity in future. Last two years have been topsy-turvy, IPL will help cricket grow in Nepal. Future stars willing to play for Nepal will be pleased to see this. Everybody is loving it back home,” the Nepal player said.
With the IPL all set to begin on April 7, Lamichhane will be looking forward to representing Delhi Daredevils and playing in front of the big crowds at the Kotla.
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