IPL 2018: Rookie Sandeep Lamichhane Owes his Growth to Michael Clarke

One of the most wonderful stories of franchises in the IPL is that of the Delhi Daredevils.

The franchise is renowned for releasing quality players in their squad. Over the years, the likes of AB de Villiers, Kevin Pietersen, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Ross Taylor have all represented the franchise at one point in time or the other. But still, the franchise is devoid of an IPL title.

Also read: IPL 2018: Wanted to Get Sandeep Lamichhane Discreetly, Says DD CEO Hemant Dua

However, the franchise is also responsible for unearthing world-class talents such as Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, and David Warner before they made rapid strides in their respective international careers. With a similar intention, the Daredevils bagged the services of Nepalese bowler Sandeep Lamichhane this season to surprise one and all.

The first ever Nepalese to take part in the competition, 20-year old Sandeep, credited his success story to former Australian skipper Michael Clarke. The spinner gained prominence since the Hong Kong Super Sixes competition in Kowloon and subsequently in the U19 World Cup of 2016 held in Bangladesh.

“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. 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,” expressed Sandeep Lamachhane according to PTI post his selection into the DD roster.

“I always had a good leg-break, but I have now developed an effective googly working hard with my Nepal national team coach Raju Khadka. So when Delhi Daredevils summoned me for trials, I was fully confident that their coaches would be impressed with my skills. And in any case, if you don’t have self-confidence, you can’t play the next level that is IPL,” further augmented the rookie spinner.

It was not just the 20-year old who credited his success story to Pup. Even cricket historian Boria Mazumdar backed his statement in a tweet of his own.

Here’s the thread:

And yes you discovered him and mentored him in your academy and mentioned him to me a long time back. Superb job mate.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

I did nothing mate apart from smile every time I watched him bowl. h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->L<!---->2<!---->j<!---->M<!---->X<!---->8<!---->8<!---->h<!---->z<!---->M

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8

“Yes, it’s true that we only have one proper cricket stadium in Nepal but we have had the determination. I owe it to Nepal cricket as playing for my country got me the prominence. If I have got a contract with Delhi Daredevils, it is because of my performances for the national team,” concluded the spinner while thanking Nepal Cricket.

Let us look at his reaction post his selection:

Thanks to all the fans and well wishers for your blessings !! @<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L @<!---->D<!---->e<!---->l<!---->h<!---->i<!---->D<!---->a<!---->r<!---->e<!---->d<!---->e<!---->v<!---->i<!---->l<!---->s ? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->N<!---->q<!---->V<!---->0<!---->C<!---->d<!---->G<!---->j<!---->e<!---->3

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) J<!---->a<!---->n<!---->u<!---->a<!---->r<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->9<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->1<!---->8