Nepali spinner Sandeep Lamichhane happy after being picked by Delhi Daredevils

Associate cricket playing nations have been making names for themselves. The Likes of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan are leading them in various T20 tournaments across the world. In the IPL auction as well, the Afghani cricketers made the headlines as they saw franchises involving in the bidding war for them.

Nepal-born Sandeep Lamichhane made massive news across the cricketing nations as he was picked by Delhi Daredevils for the IPL after becoming the first player from his country to bag an IPL contract. The leggie, who is still in his teens had earlier worked with former Australia captain Michael Clarke. The spinner was first spotted by the franchise in Hong Kong T20 Blitz and had impressed everyone. Then, once Ricky Ponting, the coach of the IPL side gave his approval, he was bought by them for 20 Lakhs.

Clarke played a huge role in the molding of the player as he had invited him to his training academy in Australia after mentoring him in Hong Kong. He then played for a Sydney-based club where he impressed Shane Warne and Mark Taylor as well.

The spinner had taken a five-for against Ireland in the 2016 U-19 World Cup and that was the time when he became a spin sensation. His performance led the side to reach the finals of the Youth World Cup quarterfinals.

The 17-year-old took to Twitter to thank everyone who supported him and to the Delhi Daredevils side for picking him.

Very happy to be announced as the player of @DelhiDaredevils for this season of @IPL ! Special thanks to all those people who kept me in their prayers with holding their nerves ! Journey begins now !! ?

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) January 28, 2018

Clarke too was very happy for the youngster as he was selected to play in the Indian Premier League. He also said that the people of Nepal should be proud of the Nepali cricketer.

Clarke’s tweet:

Very happy to be announced as the player of @DelhiDaredevils for this season of @IPL ! Special thanks to all those people who kept me in their prayers with holding their nerves ! Journey begins now !! ?

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) January 28, 2018

Now that the spinner is set to feature in the tournament, the Nepal cricket has a representative in the IPL which surely will help the game grow quicker in the country. It will be interesting to see the leggie tossing up the deliveries to some of the best cricketers across the world.