IPL 2021 Auction: 3 Teams that can pick Sandeep Lamichhane

The IPL 2021 mini-auction is all set to take place on 18th February 2021 in Chennai. All the teams have announced their list of retained and released players ahead of the auction. RCB and SRH have released the most and least numbers of players respectively. Even other teams have released and retained different variety of players depending upon their game plan.

With the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith released by their respective teams, we have quite a few big foreign players up for grab. But one name that is underrated among the giants is, young Nepali wrist spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane. Lamichhane made his IPL debut with the Delhi franchise in 2018 and was with the team for 3 seasons before being released by them this year.

Sandeep has played 9 IPL matches, taking 13 wickets at a decent economy of 8.34. He impressed on the big stage early on, but was in and out of the team thereafter. With IPL 2020 being played in the UAE, the conditions and the already strong and experienced spin attack of Delhi comprising R. Ashwin, Amit Mishra and Axar Patel forced him to sit out the entire season. All these three spinners are retained by Delhi this time also, probably why Lamichhane is released by them. But with the IPL 2021 set to take place in India, Lamichhane can provide an excellent spin option at a very reasonable auction price.

IPL 2021 Auction: 3 Teams that can pick Sandeep Lamichhane

1. Mumbai Indians

The defending champions had played throughout the IPL 2020 with 3 pacers in the playing 11. The IPL taking place in India might force them to change their game plan. They have released their entire overseas pace battery which comprised Mitchell McCleneghan, Nathan CoulterNile, James Pattinson and Lasith Malinga. Other releases combined, they have a total of 7 slots empty out of which 4 are overseas.

Other than Rahul Chahar MI don’t seem to have any other recognized frontline spinner. Apart from looking out for a backup for Trent Boult, MI can focus on spinners. Sandeep Lamichhane might prove to be the perfect choice for them. A couple of seasons ago Mumbai tried out the Sri Lankan spinner Akila Dhananjaya but he could not impress much. The case might be different this time around with Lamichhane.

Nowadays, wrist-spinners are no longer a luxury but rather a necessity in a T20 bowling attack. The more the better. So along with the pace duo Bumrah and Boult, a spinning duo of Rahul Chahar and Sandeep Lamichhane will further strengthen the already formidable bowling attack of Mumbai Indians.

2. Kings XI Punjab

In the last season, the playoffs berth was so close yet so far to the Kings. Having lost 6 initial matches, getting into the playoffs was always going to be tough. A major reason was the team selection. Till an advanced stage in the league, they seemed to be still in the process of getting the perfect playing 11 on the field.

As a result of releasing many overseas players, they have 5 overseas slots remaining out of a total of 9 slots. They have released Mujeeb Ur Rehman who strangely didn’t play too many games in the 2020 IPL. Sandeep Lamichhane can replace him in the squad. Ravi Bishnoi and M Ashwin did quite a good job as the spinning duo but both of them are still in their early days.

Lamichhane though young has played many T20 leagues around the globe and his experience there will come in handy. With 5 overseas slots empty, and just one overseas bowler Jordan, they can get a fine spinner in Lamichhane. If given a chance and not underutilized, he might prove to be that for KXIP what Rashid Khan is for SRH.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders

They were one of the many teams last season fighting for that last playoff spot. They had a  topsy-turvy campaign winning few and losing few. They were expecting a lot from their overseas picks which was not the case. Another major reason was a very volatile batting order, changing almost every time.

Sunil Narine opened the batting for KKR few times last season but could make an impact. So, if KKR don’t play him as an all-rounder and Narine not providing the mystery factor as earlier, KKR will need a proper spinner to replace him. Narine and Russell had a lot injury woes last time, if something similar happens again, they will have a perfect backup in Lamichhane.

He will provide the depth needed in the bowling lineup. Also, they do not have any other wrist spinner in the squad other than Kuldeep Yadav if they wish to play one. With their batting getting sorted towards the end of the tournament, they can go for a bowler in the auction.