Interview: "It was very humbling when Kings XI Punjab lauded my efforts after a win" - Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma

When Kings XI Punjab announced their squad for the Champions League T20, one name was obviously missing: Sandeep Sharma. The 22-year-old boy from Patiala was one of the main destructors for Kings XI Punjab which saw them reach the finals for the first time. His perseverance was rewarded with a berth in the India A side this year, but an injury forced him to miss the tour to Australia.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Sandeep takes us through the dream journey that all started from the U-19 World Cup in Australia, and took off in IPL 7. Here are the excerpts:

What got you interested in cricket?

I used to play cricket in my school at Patiala where the coach Mr. Kamaljeet Singh singled me out and backed me to practice more. Mr. Munish Bali, the fielding coach of the Indian women’s cricket team then spotted me at the Patiala stadium and took me under his wing. I’ve been lucky to have father figures early in my career to guide me.

You were part of the U-19 World Cup 2010 squad and the U-19 World Cup 2012 winning squad. This year your IPL team Kings XI Punjab reached the finals, and you were nominated as one of the emerging players after a stellar season and the world was talking about your exceptional talent. How has the journey in the spotlight been like?

The U-19 World Cup victory in 2012 in Australia was the best thing that ever happened to me. It gave me an adrenaline rush to perform better. After we returned back to India, I stuck to the basis and was the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji season for Punjab. I was fortunate to play with the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Yuvi paaji, who helped all the youngsters including me, with their international experience. Thereafter, I was rewarded with an IPL contract with the Kings XI Punjab. I played only 4 matches and took 8 wickets in the 2013 season but I felt like I belonged to the place.

The IPL 2014 season was nothing short of a dream come true. Sharing the dressing room with international players and learning from each one of them, was something I will cherish for a long time. Virender Sehwag guided me a lot during pressure situations and calmed me down to bring out the best in me.

Any special memories off the field during this year’s IPL?

It was in Dubai when I won my first Man of the Match award. Preity Zinta called me in the meeting room and gave me a gift. It was also very special because the entire team lauded my efforts, which was very humbling.

What was the gift?

(laughs) Sorry, I can’t tell you that.

Tell us something about George Bailey.

George Bailey is a very underrated captain. He always allows bowlers to be their own captains. This gives us confidence, especially in the T20 format, which doesn’t favour the bowling side. And of course, he has that permanent smile on his face (laughs) which eases the pressure on us.

How do you go about planning setting up a batsman, especially in the death overs?

Well, during IPL 7, I was doing my research and it turns out that 49% of my deliveries were dot balls, which is not bad at all. My main focus was not to leak runs, and focus on getting wickets. In the death overs, when the batting side goes for the runs, they tend to lose wickets quickly. So, I tried getting the new batsman on strike and target him.

Who’s wicket(s) do you cherish the most in IPL 2014?

I bowled a dream spell against Royal Challenges Bangalore in UAE where I dismissed Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli in my first over. That was really special.

Who’s your best buddy in the dressing room?

I have to say Mandeep Singh and Manan Vohra since they are my childhood friends. Apart from them, Viru Paaji and George Bailey are always up for a friendly chat. Oh, and few may know this, but Beuran Hendricks is one of the craziest and fun-loving guys in the team.

Who is the most difficult batsman that you have bowled to in the IPL?

I got pelted in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad where I went for 65 runs in 4 overs, which is quite hard to forget (laughs). If I had to choose a batsman.. hmm, it has to be AB De Villiers. You can never be sure where to bowl to him.

Who are your idols?

There’s no one particular player since legends have reached where they are today, only because of their hard work and immense talent. I guess my favourite has to be Viru paaji. He’s been immensely helpful with all the youngsters, and it’s an amazing feeling to sit back and watch him at the nets.

You missed out on the India A tour as well as the Champions League because of an injury. Tell us more about what happened exactly and how you are working on your fitness now.

I suffered a stress fracture in my back during the India A camp in Bangalore. It’s very disappointing, but you have to accept it. I’m attending fitness programmes where the trainers are helping me a lot. Hopefully, you’ll see me in the upcoming Ranji season.