The opening batsman who has a penchant of hitting quick runs in the powerplay, Sandeep Sunar, marked his arrival with 39 runs for national U-19 cricket in 32-run win against New Zealand during the U-19 cricket world cup held at Bangladesh in 2016.

The 21-year-old has represented Chitwan Tigers in last editions and has scored most number of boundaries, 16, for the team. A strike rate of 121 in 2018 is only second highest among the Nepali players and fourth overall for Tigers in Everest Premier League.

A prototype T20 opening batsman is skilled with ball as well. A mystery spinner, he can surprise batsman with subtle variations and pace change during deliveries. Described as leg-break googly bowler by Espncricinfo, Sunar is known for changing the grip all-together and bowl orthodox off-spins to keep the batsmen guessing.

As Sandeep recalls

My father, Ganga Ram Sunar, is my biggest inspiration in cricket. He was a sports coach in school I used to study. A former national football player, he first introduced cricket to me when I was in eighth standard. After observing me for few months, convinced that I can do well in it, he set up a practice net in home for me to keep practicing cricket. I never went to any academy. My father was my academy. My father never played professional cricket but he was passionate about it and always pushed me to take up cricket and that I can represent my country in future.

I went to represent my country in 2016 featuring in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup where we reached quarter-final. In 2020, I opened up my own academy to support and motivate young players to learn and enjoy cricket back here in my town which is a bit farther than main city area. I want to develop this area. I feel it is my responsibility to give something back to this place which helped me be an international player. I named it GR (Ganga Ram) Cricket Academy.

My family has always been very supportive. My locality has been very motivating. They have always recognized me for whenever and whatever I have achieved in cricket to this day. So far, I haven’t thought about any financial advantage from the cricket. I understand financial security is also necessary but my family, by God’s grace, are economically sustainable. All I ever want is to don the national jersey with pride. And not only wear it but keep performing for national team and take the nation to new heights.