Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma recently shared a heartwarming story from the 2017 IPL season, revealing how Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta intervened to ensure he received the Player of the Match award instead of Axar Patel. The memorable moment came during a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Sharma’s fiery new-ball spell dismantled RCB’s top order.
In the low-scoring game, Punjab Kings, then led by Glenn Maxwell, posted 138/7. Axar Patel top-scored with a crucial 38 off 17 balls and also contributed with two wickets, including Pawan Negi and Samuel Badree. Despite his all-round brilliance, Sandeep stole the spotlight by dismissing Virat Kohli (6), AB de Villiers (10), and Chris Gayle (2) early in the innings, setting the tone for PBKS’ eventual 19-run win as RCB were bowled out for just 119.
Speaking to Crictracker, Sandeep Sharma recalled how Zinta personally requested then-broadcaster Ravi Shastri to hand him the award: “Preity ma’am told Ravi Shastri that I deserved the Player of the Match because I had taken three big wickets. They gave me the award, and I even offered it to Axar. But he told me those three wickets were crucial and without them, 138 wouldn’t have been defended anywhere.”
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The match remains one of Sharma’s most cherished memories, showcasing his knack for striking early blows against world-class batters. While Axar Patel’s heroics also played a significant role, this incident highlighted the close-knit culture of the PBKS camp and Zinta’s unwavering support for her players.
Fast forward to today, Sandeep Sharma has become a vital asset for the Rajasthan Royals, evolving from a reliable new-ball specialist to a trusted death-overs bowler.
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Axar Patel, on the other hand, has emerged as one of India’s premier all-rounders, captaining Delhi Capitals in the IPL and contributing to India’s triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. This story not only reflects Sandeep’s rise as a seasoned IPL campaigner but also shows how small gestures of recognition can have a lasting impact on a cricketer’s journey.
