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Trailblazing teenager impresses in IPL debut

His idol is Shane Warne, his mentor is Michael Clarke and on Saturday, Ricky Ponting handed him an IPL debut

Nepalese spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane has earnt the backing of two former Australia captains and the trailblazing teenager showed why on Saturday with an accomplished Indian Premier League debut.

And the 17-year-old believes there's even more talent waiting to be discovered in his cricket-mad home country. 

Lamichhane, the first player from Nepal to land an IPL contract, finished with 1-25 from his four overs – the best return of any of Delhi Daredevils bowlers in their five-wicket defeat to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

The Ricky Ponting-coached Daredevils put their faith in the debutant early on, with Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer throwing him the ball to bowl the first over of RCB's innings.

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The leg-spinner removed India Test keeper Parthiv Patel lbw for his maiden wicket in his second over and held his own against batting maestros Virat Kohli (70) and AB de Villiers (72 not out).

Lamichhane, who linked up with his 'idol' in legendary former wrist-spinner and Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Shane Warne earlier this week, said after the match that his journey had just begun. 

"I think these kind of leagues can help you grow your game. You have to stay busy with cricket all the time," Lamichhane told reporters.

"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."

Lamichhane made history in the January auction for the cash-rich Twenty20 league when he was brought by Daredevils for A$40,000, but has remained benched since the IPL began on April 7.

It was a proud moment for Lamichhane when Ponting handed him his cap and he did not disappoint.

"The most important thing is how you are learning all the time. It's been good, this one-and-a-half months," Lamichhane said.

"I learnt a lot of things. We have got an exceptional coach (Ricky Ponting) and good captain and all the players are really good."

His effort failed to lift Delhi to a win at their home Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium and their ninth loss in 12 matches meant they were eliminated from the play-off race, bottom of the eight-team table.

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Lamichhane trained at Michael Clarke's cricket academy in Sydney after he was spotted by the former Australia captain at the Hong Kong T20 Blitz in 2016.

He joined his mentor Clarke in Sydney Premier club Western Suburbs later that year, declaring that "my dream is to play Big Bash".

Clarke – now an IPL commentator – has continued to closely follow his cricketing career.

Image Id: 2A5087794C574B4F8921F7876050A70B Image Caption: Lamichhane and Clarke playing together in Sydney in 2016 // Getty

"We were so close during the IPL season," Lamichhane said of the former Test captain. "We spoke to each other and he was saying that you have done so well today.

"Still I am a bit upset because the most important thing is a team win and if your team is not winning you must be upset."

He also had a message for his fans back home.

"It all depends on how much you are working hard for all these moments. Most important thing is to be honest with yourself, stay focused, be positive everything will be yours one day," he said.

Australian viewers can watch the 2018 season of the IPL exclusively on Fox Sports