When young Sandeep Lamichhane was growing up in Kathmandu, Nepal trying to emulate the legendary Shane Warne's ways, he wouldn't have imagined that he'll not only get to meet the former Australian leg-spinner but also receive timely advice for his game from the master craftsman.
Lamichhane, who made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2018 for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), has come a long way since. He is now among the most popular T20 cricketer across leagues around the world. But the 18-year-old will never forget the invaluable guidance that Warne once provided him with.
"I have always admired and idolised Shane Warne the most," Lamichhane was quoted saying by PTI. "And fortunately for me, IPL has given me the chance to meet him. I met him last season where he gave me certain tips to improve my bowling, which also gave me a huge boost in my career."
"However, I believe, the most important advice that he gave me was to make sure that I bowl with a big and brave heart."
Lamichhane has recently had fruitful outings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) as well as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and now wants to continue his good form in IPL 2019. Especially because these remain his best opportunities to leave a mark for everyone to recognise as Nepal hardly plays top-flight international cricket.
"It is sometimes a struggle to not be playing competitive international cricket or not playing at all when I go back home," he said. "But whenever I get the opportunity to play in such leagues, I like to keep things simple and I know that I have to work hard because I don’t get these facilities in Nepal."
"So whenever I have the chance to play here in IPL and in other leagues, I only focus on performing to the best of my abilities. Last year was a very special year for me as I got the chance to play in the biggest cricket league in the world. IPL 2018 will always be a special memory for me in my career, and I believe that it is the perfect platform for players like me who come from the non-Test playing nations."
"We now also have Samuel Badree with the team, who himself has been one of the top leg-spinners for the West Indies so I am looking forward to performing under his guidance," Lamichhane signed off.
