IPL 2018: Michael Clarke posts a special message on Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane’s IPL debut

Lamichhane became the first ever player from Nepal to feature in the Indian Premier League.

Clarke and Lamichhane share a very good camaraderie | AFP

Delhi Daredevils are hosting the Royals Challengers Bangalore in the 45th match of IPL 2018 at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday (May 12).

Having been ruled out of the playoffs contention, the Shreyas Iyer led Delhi side brought three new faces in their playing XI. Sandeep Lamichhane, Abhishek Sharma and Junior Dala were the players to make their IPL debut in this match.

It was a historic moment for Lamichhane as he became the first ever player from Nepal to feature in the Indian Premier League. During the auction in January 2018, DD had picked the 17-year-old Lamichhane at his base price of INR 20 lakhs.

As Lamichhane received his maiden IPL cap in front of the capacity Kotal crowd, former Australia skipper Michael Clarke took to micro-blogging site Twitter and wrote: “My little buddy @IamSandeep25 gets his first opportunity in the IPL. What an amazing story ????”.

It is worth mentioning here that Clarke and Lamichhane share a very good camaraderie. After securing the IPL contract, the leg-spinner had credited Clarke for helping him in every possible way to improve as a cricketer.

“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,” Lamichhane had told PTI.

“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,” he further added.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 12 May, 2018

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