Kathmandu, January 28
Many have said today has become a historic day for Nepali cricket as 17-year-old leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was bought for the Indian Premier League by Delhi Daredevils for INR 2 million.
The news created a frenzy among fans here in Nepal and all over the world as he became the first Nepali player to be selected by an IPL team.
As the news made headlines, people took to Twitter to congratulate Lamichhane on his achievement.
First on the scene was former Australian skipper and Lamichhane’s mentor Michael Clarke who will no doubt be very happy for the young leggie.
??????? brilliant news https://t.co/H4draSnJ43
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 28, 2018
Delhi Daredevils also welcomed their new star.
You’ve already made history, @IamSandeep25. Here’s to more with the #DDSquad! ?#IPLAuction#DilDillipic.twitter.com/POHrvrHWgm
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) January 28, 2018
There are many who think Clarke might be the reason for the youngster’s rise.
So Nepal’s young Sandeep Lamichhane is going to #IPL2018 . Incredible story. Credit to Michael Clarke and the @HKT20Blitz for setting him on the path. An Associate comp that didn’t exist 3 years ago can now be called pathway to the IPL. Quite the precedent.
— Bertus de Jong (@BdJcricket) January 28, 2018
Ponting should have taken advice from Clarkey. Wonderful News coming from IPL Auction. Our Very Own Sandeep Lamichhane is Delhi Daredevils player now. Bought for 20 lakhs. Really happy and Congratulations!!! Follow @DelhiDaredevils#IPLAuction#DelhiDaredevils
— NirojKhatiwada (@Nirojgunner) January 28, 2018
Or maybe Ponting watched this video where Clarke is talking about the young Nepali spinner.
I filmed this on September 24, 2016. Michael Clarke @MClarke23 talking about Sandeep Lamichhane@IamSandeep25 during his first game for Western Suburbs in Sydney Grade Cricket – he just got bought by @DelhiDaredevils in the @IPL#IPLAuction#Nepal#Delhipic.twitter.com/78u8XvwkRU
— Paul Cochrane (@paulcochrane) January 28, 2018
As Lamichhane joins the IPL, many are talking about talented players always find a home in the league.
Afghan last year. Nepal this year. Truly talent meets opportunity in ipl#iplauction
— HrishikeshRamani (@hrishiishere) January 28, 2018
Lamichhane’s entry also makes the IPL a diverse competition and as former England captain Michael Vaughan has been highlighting, maybe the world cup needs more than 10 teams.
Now a player from NEPAL …17 yr old Sandeep Lamichhane gets an IPL Deal … Great to see … 10 Team World Cup #Nonsense
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 28, 2018
Sandeep Lamichhane, first Nepalese player to play in IPL, Delhi Daredevils bought him for Rs 20 lakhs
Awesome to see IPL teams buying players from South East Asian countries like Afghanistan ?? and Nepal ??— Dhiraj Ahuja (@DhirajAhuja1108) January 28, 2018
It’s been talked about so much; Sandeep is also trending in India.
Sandeep Lamichhane is trending in India
#IPLAuctionpic.twitter.com/idstbANHI2— Preeti C (@Im_preetiC) January 28, 2018
3,350 users and 3,502 tweets (3286 RTs) in 1 week made ‘SandeepLamichhane’ a Trending Topic in India. #trndnl
— Trendinalia India (@trendinaliaIN) January 28, 2018
Here is the moment when Lamichhane got selected.
Sandeep Lamichhane Sold || IPL 2018 (Delhi Daredevils) || First nepele… https://t.co/kMXYsi0IVh via @YouTube
— surajparajuli (@iamsurajprajuli) January 28, 2018
Who knows, maybe all of Nepal will now support Delhi Daredevils this year.
By spending 20 lacs, DD didn’t just secure services of Sandeep Lamichhane, first Nepali player to be a part of the league, but also added around 3 cr fans to their fan base. Now this is what we call a smart investment. #IPLAuction#IPL2018
— Joseph Akbar Vijay (@dominicjo_ec) January 28, 2018
Delhi @DelhiDaredevils had now got more 3 crore fans from whole Nepal.. Congratulations Sandeep Lamichhane@IamSandeep25<3 🙂
First Nepali player to be bought in IPL… pic.twitter.com/jUSOEZokOC
— RoutineofNepal Banda (@RONBupdates) January 28, 2018
Whole Nepal will support Delhi Daredevils now!!!
What a buy, 30 million people at 20lakh.
Sandeep Lamichhane you rockstar!!!— rawbee (@rabee01234) January 28, 2018
But the main question is: will he be selected in the playing XI or not. Most are hopeful and have their fingers crossed.
Congratulations to #SandeepLamichane for being a part of @DelhiDaredevils IPL team. First #nepali to be recognized. Hope he gets a chance to play and not sit on the sidelines..#cricket#IPLAuction2018#Nepal
— Sachin Sapkota (@sachinsapkota) January 28, 2018
Amit Mishra, ShahbazNadeem,GlennMaxwell,JayantYadav,Jayant Yadav DD don’t have any quality spinner ? so that Sandeep Lamichhane will play ??
— Lord Uhtred (@IamSigdel) January 28, 2018
Some fans are wondering how Danny Morrison and other commentators will be pronouncing his name.
Danny morrisonले”लामिछाने” कसरीप्रनाउन्सगर्नेहुन#VivoIPL#IPLAuction#nepalcricket#SandeepLamichane
— NepaliPun (@rituraj_sapkota) January 28, 2018
More than anyone, Nepali cricket lovers are clearly excited.
Sandeep Lamichhane on ipl .
Mark today’s date. the day Gurkha entered to world’s greatest cricketing event. 😉 🙂
— Enjoy 4tos (@enjoy4tos) January 28, 2018
