Table of Contents
Sandeep Sharma, a seasoned veteran of the Indian Premier League, recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story, during an exclusive interview with CricTracker, that sheds light on the supportive culture within the Punjab Kings franchise. The right-arm pacer, who has taken 146 wickets in his 137 IPL matches, recounted a specific incident from the 2017 season that involved a heartwarming gesture from the team’s co-owner, Preity Zinta. The story not only reveals a key moment in his career but also highlights a remarkable act of sportsmanship between him and his then-teammate, Axar Patel.
PBKS bowler Sandeep Sharma’s match-winning spell against Virat Kohli’s RCB
The incident unfolded during the 2017 IPL season in a tense match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru). It was a low-scoring affair where Punjab managed to defend a below-par total of just 138 runs. Sandeep was the architect of this incredible victory, delivering a match-winning spell of 3 wickets for 22 runs.
His contribution was especially significant because he dismissed the core of RCB’s top order, the formidable trio of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers. However, Sandeep’s teammate, Axar Patel, also delivered a brilliant all-around performance that day. Axar not only scored a quickfire 38 runs off just 17 balls, but he also took 3 wickets for only 11 runs, making him a prime candidate for the Player of the Match award. The stage was set for a dilemma, as both players had put in match-winning performances, but the honor was ultimately intended to go to Axar, given his extraordinary all-round heroics in a low-scoring game.
Also READ: ‘Mr. IPL’ Suresh Raina reveals his all-time CSK XI, no place for Dwayne Bravo
PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta’s heartfelt gesture
As the presentations for the post-match awards were being organized, an unusual and unheard-of turn of events took place. According to Sandeep, Preity Zinta, the co-owner of the Punjab Kings, intervened to change the decision. She spoke with Ravi Shastri, the presenter at the time, and made a compelling case for Sandeep, telling him,
“There are a lot of such stories, but I will have to think about it. We were playing a match in Bengaluru against RCB. And I had taken three wickets with the new ball. Virat, ABD and Chris Gayle. So in that match, actually, the Player of the Match was supposed to be Axar Patel, who had also taken two wickets in that match and it was a low-scoring game. In the last over, he had scored 25 runs [19 runs] and scored 38 runs [in total],” Sandeep said.
“But the Player of the Match was his, if you look at it. So Preity ma’am was there and she told Ravi Shastri there that the Player of the Match should be Sandy, he has picked three big wickets. And actually, they gave me the Player of the Match. That was one sweet thing. And I actually went and offered it to Axar. But, he told me that these three wickets were very important. Otherwise, 138 runs wouldn’t have been defended anywhere,” Sandeep concluded.
Her words had the desired effect, as the award was officially presented to Sandeep, a gesture that he deeply appreciated. However, the story doesn’t end there. In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, Sandeep walked over and offered the award to Axar Patel, acknowledging his teammate’s outstanding all-around contribution. Axar, in turn, refused to accept it, insisting that Sandeep’s three crucial wickets were the real reason they were able to defend such a small total. The incident stands as a powerful example of both a thoughtful gesture from a team owner and the respect and camaraderie among teammates.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Top 5 standout stars from The Hundred expected to attract big bids.
