Sandeep Lamichhane delighted over selection in the Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest T20 league around the world and players from all major teams are always eager to feature as a part of one of the franchises. Every team has a restriction pertaining to the selection of overseas cricketers. Hence the franchises are selective in terms of decision making. The big names mostly get the nod, however, cricketers from the associate and affiliate nations miss out on a contract. Nepal cricketers aren’t household names by any stretch of the imagination.

Moreover, chances of a Nepalese player being drafted into the IPL Auction were improbable. However, Sandeep Lamichhane, the young leg-spinner, defied the odds and entered the auction with a base price of 20 Lakhs. The 17-year old’s delight multiplied when he was grabbed by Delhi Daredevils for the upcoming season. Quite expectantly, he expressed elation in a recent interaction with the media.

A dream-come-true for Lamichhane

“On the first day of the draft, we were in Nepal, travelling to UAE. In the second day, we were practising at the ground, and our team manager came to us. He was full of joy, he was running all over the ground, and he told us: ‘You have been selected. You have been picked by Delhi Daredevils. Everyone came and congratulated me. It was a dream come true for us. I feel like the T20 leagues journey starts now,” Lamichhane said.

The youngster also talked about his approach towards playing the cash-rich tournament. “Every player wants to play in these leagues,” he said. “I got that chance, and I am looking forward to it. I feel like: this is the moment, just live for it. You have worked for this moment, so why feel nervous? Just try to show your magical talent, show that to others,” the 17-year-old further mentioned.

Daredevils have some prominent foreign names in their ranks in the form of Colin Munro, Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris. Therefore chances of him being drafted into the playing XI are remote in the initial phases of the tournament. However, rubbing shoulders with the best in the business might just be the turning point in his career.