Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021/22: Sandeep Sharma switches allegiance to Chandigarh after Punjab snub – Sandeep Sharma, who has featured for Punjab Kings (Kings XI Punjab then) and Sunrisers Hyderabad has switched to Chandigarh from Punjab for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sharma, a medium pace bowler has featured in two U-19 World Cups and made two international appearances for India, but finds himself out of favour with his state team. He will make his debut with Chandigarh when they face off against Kerala in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021/22: Sandeep Sharma switches allegiance to Chandigarh after Punjab snub
Sandeep Sharma has decided to switch to Chandigarh after being snubbed by Punjab for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sharma currently finds himself as the fourth choice, behind Sidharth Kaul, Arshdeep Singh and Baltej Singh, and seemingly decided to appear from Chandigarh to play all formats. A NOC was obtained for the same from the Punjab Cricket Association.
Speaking to Indian Express, Sandeep Sharma said, “I moved to Chandigarh because my office is here. It was just a personal decision.” The report states that there was no guarantee that the medium-pacer would be selected for the Vijay Hazare squad, and was omitted from the team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021/22: Sandeep Sharma switches allegiance to Chandigarh after Punjab snub
“He wanted to play all the three formats, but in the pace department, he was fourth in the pecking order after Siddharth Kaul, Arshdeep Singh, and Baltej Singh,” a PCA official says.
Sandeep Sharma has played 44 first-class, 49 List A matches, and 48 T20s matches for Punjab since his debut in the 2011-12 season. The 28-year-old said, “My focus is on white-ball cricket for now, and Chandigarh are playing with Elite teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Yes, in the Ranji Trophy, they will be in the Plate Group, but this is a group of talented players, and I am sure we will earn the promotion this season.”
Also Read: IPL 2022 Mega Auction: Top 10 players whom franchises will be monitoring in Vijay Hazare Trophy
From 2013 to 2017, Sharma played for Kings XI Punjab. For the last three seasons, he has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sandeep Sharma has a fine record in the IPL. In 99 IPL games, Sharma has picked 112 wickets at an average of 25.43 and strike rate of 19.62. His economy is 7.77.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021/22: Sandeep Sharma switches allegiance to Chandigarh after Punjab snub
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