Sandeep revels on home pitch
As Kings XI Punjab pacer Sandeep Sharma stretched low to his left on his follow through to complete a stunning return catch off Shreyas Iyer, teammate Shaun Marsh came running to give a hug in the IPL 2017 game against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday.
It was the third of four wickets Sandeep took on Sunday, ripping the heart out of Delhi Daredevils batting. His superb spell shaped Kings XI Punjab’s 10-wicket win at the PCA Stadium.
Sandeep, who was made to sit on the bench in the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, proved his mettle, rounding it off with figures of 4-0-20-4. Sandeep took advantage of his knowledge of the pitch conditions on his home ground.
After the Delhi Daredevils innings, he said: “I know how the wicket in Mohali behaves after 4pm. So I bowled keeping in mind certain things.
“Knowing that the ball swings in the evening, I bowled according to the conditions,” said Sandeep, who removed Sam Billings, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer and Kagiso Rabada’s wickets.
It helped Kings XI Punjab dismiss Delhi Daredevils for their lowest IPL total of 67 all out in 17.1 overs.
Sandeep Sharma gave credit to mentor Virender Sehwag. “Viru paaji told me to go into the match with a positive frame of mind and aim for swing. He knew swinging the ball both ways is my strength. His inputs help me get results. I enjoyed bowling in such conditions.”
Ishant Sharma, who went wicketless in the last outing, was dropped against DD, and Sandeep was included.
“I was not disappointed in missing out against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Viru Paaji had told me to take rest against SRH and go for the kill against DD. I am happy to have done well for my team.”