Sandeep Lamichhane, the first ever Nepali cricketer to represent the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), on Monday was busy enjoying cricket with the world’s elite cricketers at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in New Delhi.

Under the watchful eyes of Delhi Daredevils coach Ricky Ponting, the former Australian skipper, and skipper Gautam Gambhir the Nepal’s leg-spinning star spent around three hours in practice session which comprised of bowling, batting  and fielding drills. Lamichhane became the first cricketer from Nepal to feature in an IPL in January when Daredevils bought the 17-year-old for IRs 2 million (Rs 3.2 million). 

Since he landed here on Tuesday, it has been the routine for Lamichhane to arrive at the Firoz Shah Kotla—the home ground of Daredevils—for practice session which commences from 5:30PM and lasts for about three hours. Whether or not Lamichhane makes it to playing XI,  he is preparing with the rest of the squad for the team’s first game against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on April 8. Daredevils leave for Mohali on April 6. The IPL kicks off with a match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 7.

Lamichanne faces challenges not just to prepare himself for the tournament of this magnitude but also adjust himself in the dressing room filled by world renowned international stars like Mohammad Sami, Amit Mishra, Jayant Yadav, Shreyas Ayer, Rishab Pant, Naman Ojha, Jason Roy, Colin Munro and Trent Boult among others.

“I am feeling at peace after being able to deliver the ball the way I would have liked it during the practice session,” said Lamichhane after Monday’s session where he bowled two overs and took one wicket. Asked whether he was under pressure playing with the renowned international stars, Lamichhane simply said: “I am taking it as a challenge and there is no pressure whatsoever. I am just enjoying my cricket here.”