KATHMANDU, Nov 13: A string of poor performances can shake a player's confidence, but success is never far away if belief in one's ability remains intact. Nepal's premier leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane demonstrated that on Thursday at Kirtipur.
He was not quite at his best form, but his ability to trouble batters with spin and turn the course of a match remained intact. That is why supporters continue to expect big performances from him. However, Sandeep had failed to produce the desired results in his previous five matches in the third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
His confidence, however, had not wavered. On Thursday, he delivered a match-winning performance against Pokhara Avengers, reminding everyone of his class.
Already the second-highest wicket-taker in NPL history, Sandeep produced a hat-trick and claimed six wickets against Pokhara. It was the most impressive bowling performance of the ongoing season and the second-best in NPL history.
Although his bowling had looked promising in previous matches, he had struggled to take wickets. His breakthrough finally came in his sixth match. The performance also went beyond an individual achievement, as Biratnagar Kings secured a four-wicket victory to revive their playoff hopes. Sandeep was named Player of the Match.
While Pokhara suffered its fifth defeat and was eliminated from the playoff race, Biratnagar returned to contention. The Kings had also been under pressure after their domestic bowlers struggled in recent matches. Sandeep's display could provide a confidence boost to the rest of the bowling attack. He showed how a quality player can emerge from a difficult run of form.
The Story People Remember: Why Brands Need a Narrative
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sandeep said he had never doubted his ability.
"I never doubted my ability. I had not bowled badly in the previous matches either. It was just that wickets were not coming. Did you doubt me?" he responded when a journalist asked whether he was now back in form.
He said it was natural for wickets not to come despite bowling well. Rather than becoming frustrated, he remained committed to his process and trusted his abilities. Thursday's performance was the result.
The Biratnagar captain returned figures of six wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, including a hat-trick. His figures rank as the second-best bowling performance in NPL history. Three bowlers have now taken six wickets in an innings.
Kathmandu Gorkhas' Sahab Alam holds the record with six wickets for 25 runs in four overs. Karnali Yaks' Will Bosisto had also taken six wickets for 28 runs. Bosisto is playing for Kathmandu this season. By conceding one run less than Bosisto, Sandeep moved into second place on the all-time list.
He put Pokhara under pressure from the outset, taking three wickets while conceding just 12 runs in his first two overs. Returning to bowl in the 15th over, he completed his hat-trick with three consecutive wickets.
Sandeep conceded 10 runs off the first two deliveries of the over but struck back with the third ball, dismissing the in-form Yuvraj Samra. Samra had scored a century in the previous match and had already made 84 off 47 balls against Biratnagar.
Sandeep then dismissed experienced batter and captain Chamika Karunaratne and Kiran Thagunna, both without scoring, to complete his hat-trick.
Despite Samra's aggressive batting, Pokhara were bowled out for 132 in 17.5 overs. Sandeep's spell proved decisive in restricting them to a modest total and gave him the breakthrough he had been seeking.
In previous matches, he had tried to make an impact but could not end his wicket drought. His refusal to lose faith in his ability now raises the prospect of a return to the race for the tournament's leading wicket-taker.
Sandeep has helped put Nepal on the international cricket map and is regarded as one of the leading spinners among Associate nations. Having featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and most major franchise leagues around the world, he has now reasserted his influence in the NPL.
Recalling a conversation with former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, Sandeep said Pathan had asked him when he would return to the IPL. Sandeep told him that the decision was beyond his control.
Despite his remarkable bowling, Biratnagar almost allowed the match to slip away. The Kings struggled with the bat, but an all-round performance from Isuru Udana helped them avoid defeat. Biratnagar chased down the target of 133 in 19.2 overs, losing six wickets.
Pokhara, meanwhile, became the only team to miss the playoffs in all three seasons of the NPL. Despite bringing in star players such as Shakib Al Hasan, the franchise failed to make an impact this season.
Even the world's leading players go through difficult periods. What distinguishes a good player is the ability to deliver under pressure. Sandeep demonstrated that on Thursday, showing how patience and faith in one's own ability can eventually translate into results.
