Sharma came into the reckoning following his exploits in IPL for KXIP. He has been among the leading wicket-takers in the last two seasons and has been talked about for his ability to swing both ways.
Punjab seamer Sandeep Sharma's call up to the Indian team was round the corner. It was just a matter of when.
On the back of his impressive performances for Kings XI Punjab in IPL and Punjab in Ranji Trophy, Sharma broke into the Indian team on Monday for the limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe.
Sharma is obviously on cloud nine. "I was doing some thing when my coach called up to tell me about my selection in the Indian team," said an elated Sharma. "It is an amazing news for me. A dream-come-true for which I have been playing cricket all these years. I am so happy."
Sharma came into the reckoning following his exploits in IPL for KXIP. He has been among the leading wicket-takers in the last two seasons and has been talked about for his ability to swing both ways.
"Yes, IPL has definitely given me recognition while playing for Kings XI Punjab, but I did well for Punjab in Ranji Trophy too. So both the tournaments were instrumental in me realising my dream," said Sharma.
For Sharma, this is tour is just a stepping stone to cement his spot in the team. "This chance came at the right time. I would like to use this opportunity and perform well on this tour," he added.
The Patiala-born youngster will become the first player from the U-19 World Cup winning team of 2012, that was led by Unmukt Chand in Australia, to be a part of the senior India team. He admitted it was a big leap even though it came after three years. "Our batch was fantastic. Yes, it's a good leap and I am glad it came at the right time. There were other talented boys in our group and I hope that they make it too," said Sharma.
Sharma, who brings the ball in and out at will, claimed to have added a bit of pace into his armoury. "If you saw the recent IPL, I was bowling at 135-plus kmph. So, yes I have added pace to my bowling and it is just not about swing. I am confident that I would do well in Zimbabwe."
For Sharma, the Indian dressing room will be a comfortable place. The support staff of batting coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar have been a part of the teams that Sharma has been associated with. "Yes I will be comfortable in the company of Sanjay Bangar sir and R Sridhar, both of whom are a part of KXIP. Arun sir was my U-19 coach when we won the World Cup. So, yes it is going to be like a family for me," Sharma said.
Sharma in IPL
Year Mat Wkts BBI Avg Econ 4w
2015 14 13 4/25 26.92 7.00 1
2014 11 18 3/15 19.66 8.81 -
Ranji Trophy
Year Mat Wkts BBI BBM Avg Econ 5w
2014-15 7 28 5/51 6/71 22.00 2.62 1
2013-14 8 36 6/50 9/111 23.58 2.58 2
Know Sharma
Full Name: Sandeep Shrma
Born in Patiala, Punjab, on May 18, 1993
Was a part of India's U-19 ICC World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2012
Took four wickets in the final against Australia to finish joint highest wicket-taker for India with 12 sticks
Bowls right-arm medium-pace and bats right-handed
Has played 27 first-class games and picked up 111 wickets
Has played 25 List A matches and taken 45 wickets
Made his first-class debut in November 2011
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