Playing in IPL has changed my life: Sandeep Lamichhane

KATHMANDU, April 21: Sandeep Lamichhane, a leading face of Nepali cricket, has said that he is grateful to Nepali cricket and acknowledged that playing in the Indian Premier League has changed his life.

“I have done really good for Nepal cricket in the past year. That’s why people from Delhi Capitals me last year,” he told the International Cricket Council.

“Playing in the IPL completely changed my life because I got the opportunity to play three games. I did well for Delhi Daredevils. After that, I’ve not had to look back at my journey.”

“I am very thankful and ever committed to Nepali cricket.”

Apart from significant success in the national level, the 18-year-old leg spinner,

Apart from significant success in the national level, the 18-year-old right arm leg-spinner has also thrived in T20 franchise side around the globe.

He became first Nepali cricketer to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament when he was drafted by the Delhi Capitals—where he left impact taking a wicket for 25 runs in his debut match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He took five wickets in three matches with a bowling average of 16.40 last year.

A regular in Delhi Capital, his 3/40 against the Kings XI Punjab Saturday helped Delhi to strengthen its position in No 3 in the table.

“Last year I played three games. But this time I’ve to play a lot of games. That’s where I can improve myself, so that if this time I’m getting seven to eight games, I would like to make sure, next time, I will play all the 14 games.”

“He is a very confident lad,” said Delhi captain Shreyas Iyer. “Even last year, when he used to go for runs, he used to come back really strong.”

“The young lad is fearless and really positive in his approach,” he added.

Lamichhane has taken 8 wickets for Delhi in season.

He also was drafted by the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. He also played for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Caribbean Premier League and for the Montreal Tigers in the inaugural edition of the Global T20 Canada and T10 league.