Sandeep Lamichhane created a history as he became the first player from Nepal to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Lamichhane, who was picked by Delhi Daredevils at the IPL 2018 auctions for INR 20 lakh, made it to team’s playing XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Daredevils are already out of IPL 2018 playoffs race and the tested some new faces. Besides Lamichhane, 17-year-old Abhishek Sharma from Punjab was also included in the side for the first time.
Lamichhane did not disappoint on his debut and did a fine job. He opened the bowling for Daredevils and in his second over, the 17-year-old spinner from Nepal trapped Parthiv Patel in front of the wickets. He eventually finished with figures of 1/25 in his quota of four overs.
The youngster, who hails from Sauraha in Nepal, has previously worked under the guidance of former Australian captain Michael Clarke. After DD captain Shreyas Iyer at the toss revealed that Lamichhane will be making his debut Clarke took to Twitter and wrote: “My little buddy @IamSandeep25 gets his first opportunity in the IPL. What an amazing story.”
My little buddy @IamSandeep25 gets his first opportunity in the IPL. What an amazing story 🏏
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) May 12, 2018
Here's the video of Sandeep Lamichhane's maiden IPL wicket
— जेन्टलम्यान (@NepaliGentleman) May 12, 2018
Interestingly, prime minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to Nepal highlighted the fact that ‘cricket connection’ will help strengthen the ties between two countries. "Today, we are connected by cricket as a Nepali boy (Lamichhane) is a part of Indian Premier League. This connection with cricket will strengthen our people to people ties & I hope there are more sports through which we can connect," Modi was quoted as saying by PTI.
After an impressive debut, it looks like Lamichhane will be an automatic selection for DD’s remaining matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 12, 2018 11:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).