Sandeep Lamichhane in Big Bash League (BBL) Australia | Will he play the first game?

The spinning duo from Afghanistan had a very different game during the BBL opener when Adelaide Strikers knocked-out Brisbane Heats today. Rashid Khan was declared man-of-the-match with three crucial wickets where as Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman outing was wicketless.

 

How will Sandeep fare on his BBL debut?

Will he even get an opportunity to play?

Can he be another Rashid Khan?

Going with the prominence and attention mystery wrist-spinners are getting in various T20 leagues, it would be right to say Sandeep will be playing his first BBL game. Melbourne Stars has been promoting this young teenage talent in their social media pages right after the signing.

There are three reasons I could think of, which suggest Sandeep will be in the playing team this week.

First - Although he has been playing around the world for a whole year after his IPL debut in 2018, he is still an unknown entity in Australia. He brings that anonymity and mystery in his bowling which can be favourable for his team. His googly and the ability to move ball either ways can be deceptive for batsmen who are facing him for the very first time.

Second - News reports are suggesting how popular Sandeep is among the Nepali diaspora. They will flock the stadium to support him whenever and wherever he plays. Melbourne Stars will not lose that opportunity and will definitely try to entice that crowd. Additionally, Sandeep will leave for Bangladesh Premier League in early January and these first couple of games are the only slots he can contribute. His team surely wants to test him out, at least.

Finally - Most importantly, he is a very good spin bowler who has shown his mettle all around the world. Wickets in IPL, CPL, GT20 Canada, APL and T10 league show his maturity as a player. Experts are saying he is adapts to the situations well and is always keen to learn. These abilities alone will be enough to secure his place in the playing eleven.

So, I predict and hope we will see Sandeep in his very first BBL game this week. If not, I will be gutted but there is always a next time.

What do you think?