Sandeep Lamichhane had made history by becoming the first Nepal cricketer to be bought in the IPL 2018 auction when he joined Delhi Daredevils.

On May 12, 2018, Lamichhane wrote a new chapter in Nepal cricket’s history by making his debut in the IPL, when he took the field against Royal Challengers Bangalore. He had received his DD cap by coach Ricky Ponting. Lamichhane did brilliantly on his debut, picking the wicket of Parthiv Patel and giving just 25 runs in his four overs.

Lamichhane credited former Australia captain Michael Clarke for his success and mentorship. "We (Clarke and I) were so close during the IPL season. We spoke to each other and he was saying that you have done so well today," Lamichhane said at the post-match conference.

The Nepalese teenager trained at Clarke's cricket academy in Sydney after he was spotted by the former Australia captain at the Hong Kong T20 Blitz in 2016. "Just as I have got chance in IPL there are many a talent in Nepal. I am playing for Nevis Patriots (in the Caribbean Premier League) this year. The journey has started and there are lots of opportunities for players in Nepal," he said.

Clarke had helped Lamichhane play in Sydney Grade cricket and has been his mentor since then.

Therefore, it was a proud moment for Clarke, when he got to have a conversation with his protégée Sandeep Lamichhane after his performance in DD-RCB match.

Here is the video footage of Clarke and Lamichhane’s emotional and proud moment: