Most probably, Virandeep Singh won't get to play, but he is still going to be on a high in the Everest Premier League (EPL) final.
The Malaysian all-rounder is going to enjoy every moment of the showdown betwee his team, Chitwan Tigers and Pokhara Rhinos in Kathmandu today.
Chitwan, targeting their first EPL crown, will most likely field their three experienced foreign players: Sri Lankan Seekuge Prasanna and Afghan duo Mohammad Shazad and Karim Janat — against Pokhara.
Chitwan, who hammered Pokhara by nine wickets in the knockout stage on Wednesday, are the favourites in the final at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
"Chitwan will probably need the experience of the other three foreign players in order to win the EPL. I may miss out.
"But being part of the final is a huge achievement and I am going to enjoy every moment of it," said Virandeep.
"It will be really special if I get to play, but it is more important for Chitwan to be crowned champions.
"Since it's a Saturday, it will be full capacity at TU Stadium and the atmosphere will be electrifying."
Virandeep, who made his debut in the tournament against Pokhara in the group stage on Oct 1, made a spectacular catch in a nine-wicket win.
He received the "Magical Moment of the Match" award from EPL for the catch.
He also played against Lalitpur Patriots, where Chitwan won by five wickets.
Another Malaysian all-rounder, Sharvin Muniandy, missed out on a chance to play in the final when Bhairahawa Gladiators fell to a shock seven-wicket defeat to Pokhara in the elimination match on Thursday.
Bhairahawa had the strongest foreign line-up with three former top Test players in Sri Lankan duo Upul Tharanga and Dammika Prasad, as well as ex-Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal.
"Tamim was injured, and I earned my debut. But it was a tough start for me in franchised cricket. I
" know how it feels to be in a pressure situation like this, and it will make me a better player," said Sharvin.
"Bhairahawa had been undefeated until that last match.
"Being part of this team and the EPL is the kind of exposure that I need in order to perform better for Malaysia on the international stage."
