Sandeep Sharma IPL Stats, Price, Runs, Age, Century, Debut, Team

Sandeep Sharma is the swing bowler Virat Kohli least likes to face — no bowler in IPL history has dismissed the great man more often. The Punjab seamer built a decade-long IPL career on new-ball swing, pinpoint accuracy and one of the league’s great head-to-head records. From Kings XI Punjab to Sunrisers Hyderabad to Rajasthan Royals, Sandeep has been the trusted powerplay operator everywhere he has gone. This article covers Sandeep Sharma’s IPL stats, price, age, debut, teams and career in full.

Sandeep Sharma Profile and Early Career

Sandeep Sharma was born on 18 May 1993 in Patiala, Punjab. A right-arm medium-fast swing bowler, he was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2012, where his ability to swing the new ball both ways marked him as a special talent.

Unlike the express-pace bowlers around him, Sandeep’s game was built on skill: late swing, immaculate seam position, and the intelligence to set batsmen up. He made his first-class debut for Punjab as a teenager and quickly became their new-ball leader.

Sandeep Sharma IPL Debut and Teams

Sandeep Sharma made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab in 2013 and spent nine seasons with the franchise (2013-2021), becoming one of their most dependable bowlers. He took his 100th IPL wicket in Punjab colours.

In the 2022 mega auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for a single season. Then came the move that revived his career: Rajasthan Royals signed him in 2023, where he became their powerplay specialist and death-overs bank, playing a key role in their strong 2023 and 2024 campaigns.

Sandeep Sharma IPL Auction Price and Salary

Rajasthan Royals’ INR 4 crore retention-level investment ahead of the 2025 mega auction cycle reflected how highly they valued his powerplay mastery.

Sandeep Sharma IPL Career Stats

Sandeep’s career numbers reflect a decade of consistent new-ball bowling at the highest level.

Career: 135+ matches, 140+ wickets, economy around 8.0, best bowling 4/20. Season figures are approximate career records.

His 2014 season (18 wickets) announced him; his RR years showed a master adapting his craft deep into his 30s.

The Kohli Record: Seven Dismissals

Sandeep Sharma’s signature IPL achievement is his record against Virat Kohli — seven dismissals, the most by any bowler in IPL history. The matchup became a mini-saga: Sandeep’s late inswing to Kohli’s outside edge, the early breakthrough, the celebration.

Kohli himself has acknowledged the difficulty, and the head-to-head is now part of IPL folklore — proof that skill and smarts can trouble even the greatest.

Sandeep Sharma Bowling Style

Sandeep is a classical swing bowler in a power game:

– New-ball swing both ways, especially the late inswinger to right-handers

– Exceptional control of line — he rarely bowls loose deliveries

– A deceptive slower ball developed for the death overs

– Mastery of powerplay bowling: attacking the stumps, inviting the drive

At his best, he bowls the first two overs and returns at the death — the two hardest phases for a seamer. His economy in the powerplay has consistently ranked among the league’s best.

Batting Record

Sandeep is a genuine tailender. His IPL batting record is minimal — a handful of runs, usually from brief stays at number 10 or 11. His highest IPL score is in single figures, and his value has always been entirely with the ball.

Domestic Career with Punjab

For Punjab, Sandeep has been the pace spearhead for over a decade across formats. His first-class record is outstanding — 200+ wickets at an excellent average — and he has been the kind of bowler captains build attacks around: reliable, intelligent, and tireless.

His domestic consistency is the foundation everything else was built on. The IPL rewards specialists, and Sandeep’s speciality — swing bowling — never goes out of style.

What Next for Sandeep Sharma

At 33, Sandeep remains Rajasthan Royals’ trusted Indian seamer. Swing bowlers often peak late — the craft deepens with experience — and his role as powerplay leader gives him enduring value.

With 140+ IPL wickets and the Kohli record to his name, his legacy is secure. Every additional season is a bonus built on one of the league’s most reliable skill sets.

FAQs

What is Sandeep Sharma’s age?

Sandeep Sharma was born on 18 May 1993, which makes him 33 years old.

Which IPL team does Sandeep Sharma play for?

Sandeep Sharma plays for Rajasthan Royals. He previously played for Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

How many times has Sandeep Sharma dismissed Virat Kohli in the IPL?

Sandeep Sharma has dismissed Virat Kohli seven times in the IPL — the most by any bowler in the league’s history.

How many IPL wickets does Sandeep Sharma have?

Sandeep Sharma has taken more than 140 wickets in 135+ IPL matches, with best bowling figures of 4/20.

When did Sandeep Sharma make his IPL debut?

Sandeep Sharma made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab in the 2013 season.

Has Sandeep Sharma scored an IPL century?

No, Sandeep Sharma is a specialist bowler and tailender who has not scored an IPL century.