Bangladesh holds a very special place in Sandeep Lamichhane’s heart. Back in 2016, when he first arrived to represent Nepal in the Under-19 World Cup hosted by Bangladesh, he quickly made his mark by becoming the second highest wicket-taker. The wonderkid from an emerging cricket nation later stepped into the world of franchise cricket, representing Nepal on big stages such as the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, and Caribbean Premier League.
Fast forward to 2025, Sandeep, who prefers to be called ‘Sandy’, has once again become the center of attention while playing for the Rajshahi Warriors in the Bangladesh Premier League. TIMES sat down with the 25 years old leggie on a ‘not so chilly’ December afternoon’s at Sylhet outer stadium to hear his story, his philosophy on cricket, and his thoughts on leg spin. Here are the excerpts.
Your second stint here in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). What did you take away from your first experience in Bangladesh that helps you this time?
Yeah. BPL for the second time, but not the second visit for me in Bangladesh. Been here quite a few times. Started my cricket journey in international arena. You know, back in 2016 I played here for Nepal U-19 in World Cup. Its always nice coming back here. So, yeah, pretty excited about what’s coming ahead.
I always wanted to ask the ask you this question. Why did you choose choose leg spin?
Why did I choose leg spin? Because there was no one in Nepal who used to bowl leg spin back then. I started as a medium pace bowler, but since there was no one in Nepal who used to bowl leg spin when I started cricket. So, I had to choose this way.
Talking about your bowling, your leg spin and Googly deliveries stride are quite similar. There aint much of a difference while you release it, thats what makes batter life tough when it comes to picking you up. How do you manage this?
I think practice enough for this and you know, you have to execute everything on the field on the particular day too, to put the batters in trouble. Sometime it goes your way, sometime it doesn’t. So, when it goes to your way, it feels really good and I have been practicing every day, trying everything possible from my side to add something new in my variations. That’s it.
In modern T20 cricket, Wrist spinners are often used aggressively. How do you balance attack with your skills?
Wrist spinners are meant to be, big with their heart. As a leg spinner whenever you are up for a challenge, you just need to go there and express yourself. Sometime it can go to your way or sometime it doesn’t. So you had to be there, with your head high and just up for the challenge every time when you step on the field and then, try and prove your worth.
You have played in other franchise leagues Such as BBL, CPL, in USA too. How the.experience has been so far? What difference you do see with BPL?
BPL got a lot of passion about it, till the 12th season. Like I said in the other interviews as well, you know, from first season to 12th season, how far the Bangladesh cricket has come. It really reminds me of how Nepal cricket is going at the moment. And to see, to experience everything like this, I had to come and choose BPL right now.
You’ve played in the IPL as well. What are the main differences between the IPL and the BPL?
IPL is IPL, BPL is BPL. So, that’s the difference. Both are the best cricket leagues in their respective countries. Definitely IPL is something where you get to see lot of good players, lot of players with the high qualities.
BPL is really, right over there as a cricketing franchise nation, but you cannot compare two different franchise leagues from two different worlds and be proud of what you have with you.
What your take away will be from this season’s BPL?
For that credit goes to Hanan bhai. He made it possible for me to get into Rajshahi squad. To get all these experiences and step forward and keep doing well and up for the challenges like Bangladesh cricketers, they are really good against spinners as well.
To keep your flow going and to keep yourself on the high notes, every time you have to know and realize what are the areas to improve and what are the areas of your strength as well. BPL is one of the famous franchise league around the world. It’s definitely gonna add something in my list to, as a player moving forward.
Talking about Nepal Premier League (NPL) second season, you finished this as highest wicket taker and leading the Biratnagar Kings. How has been the experience?
Oh, it’s been wonderful. I mean, terrific. Unfortunately, we were so unlucky to got out of the tournament in the qualifiers round, But I take this pride and the proud moment for all of us, As a team we really tried everything possible from our side. It’s always good to see, if you get to be the highest wicket taker in the NPL, the biggest tournament in Nepal cricket history. So, it’s always good to see how everything is shaping well in Nepal.
Martin Guptill played for Biratnagar under your captaincy. How was the experience managing a player like him?
It was easy. I mean, they made it really easy for me. They are very very supportive and they’ve seen everything in their entire career. How cricket can bring smile to a lot of players and to their families, to their fans as well. So, it was really easy for me, because of their support and their love, the humbleness they have.
Do you follow Rishad Hossain’s bowling? Who is currently playing in Big Bash for Hobart Hurricanes…
Rishad, a very good guy. I mean, he’s been doing well. Now he’s in BBL, It’s good to see. I always follow leg spinners around the world and it’s a good platform for him to show his talent as well and help Bangladesh cricket moving forward in next years to come.
