Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane owes his success to former Australian skipper

Sandeep Lamichhane, 17, who became Nepal’s first cricketer to bag an IPL contract has heaped praises on former Australian captain Michael Clarke for his nonpareil contribution to the youngster’s growth. Even before IPL players’ auction, Sandeep had been in touch with Michael Clarke, calling the interactions therapeutic to an extent. In fact, one of the biggest moments of his life came when the Aussie legend invited him to play at the Sydney-based Western Suburbs District Cricket Club.

Clarke has been a mentor to the 17-year-old Nepal leg-spinner who scripted history with a Rs 20 lakh IPL contract with the Delhi Daredevils. Clarke played a huge role in molding the player and looks extremely upbeat with the youngster’s maiden outing in IPL. The spinner was first spotted by the franchise in Hong Kong T20 Blitz and had impressed everyone.

Sandeep has already garnered a lot of fame around the cricketing fraternity. The leg-break bowler made his List-A debut in the ICC World Cricket League Championship. Prior to that, he was also named in the Nepal U19 side for the 2016 World Cup.

It will be an intriguing contest to witness the leggie tossing up deliveries to some of the best cricketers across the world.

Clarke’s contribution is huge for a player like me

Lauding the veteran for his imperative contributions, Lamichhane told PTI during an exclusive interview from Dubai, “Michael Clarke has had the biggest influence on me as a cricketer. From the time, he saw me bowling at the Hong Kong Sixes, he kept an eye on me. He is a kind man, a humble soul, who has helped me grow as a cricketer and a person.”

Sandeep added, “Speaking to him helped me relax. It was a lifetime experience to have played under him for Western Suburbs Cricket Club in Sydney grade league. That has been a huge gain for a young player like me.”