Sunny Sandhu has suddenly become one of the most talked-about names in Indian domestic cricket. The young Tamil Nadu all-rounder is only two matches old in T20 cricket, but a single explosive knock has pushed him into the spotlight. His name spread even faster after Ravichandran Ashwin posted a confusing "Sunny Leone + Sadhu Street" collage on social media, which fans later decoded as a clever shoutout to Sunny Sandhu. Consequently, Sandhu has become one of the trending topics ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction that he will enter at a base price of ₹30 lakh. His quick-fire finishing skills and the growing attention towards him may attract franchises searching for young talent at this year's auction. Sunny Sandhu’s Early Life and Profile Sunny Sandhu was born on October 15, 2003, and is 22 years old. He is a right-handed batter and a right-arm medium-fast bowler, hence a proper all-rounder. His playing role allows him to contribute in both departments, something very valuable in the modern T20 format. So far in his career, he has played for SKM Salem Spartans, Siechem Madurai Panthers in Tamil Nadu Premier League. Though he is still very new to the professional circuit, Sandhu has already shown that he has the capability to make an impact under pressure. Also Read | Registered players reduced to less than half! 350 players to go under hammers in 2026 IPL Auction Sunny Sandhu's T20 Career Sunny Sandhu has represented in just 2 T20 games, both in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Batting Stats: Format Matches Innings No Runs HS Ave BF SR T20s 2 2 0 41 30 20.50 15 273.33 Bowling Stats: Format Matches Innings Balls Runs Wickets BBI BBM Ave Eco T20s 2 2 48 74 1 1/42 1/42 74.00 9.25 Why is Sunny Sandhu in the news? The main reason for the sudden attention is his match-winning cameo in the Tamil Nadu chase against Saurashtra on December 8, 2025, in Ahmedabad. Chasing 184 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sandhu smashed: 30 runs off just 9 balls, 3 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 333.33. 4️⃣,4️⃣,6️⃣,6️⃣,4️⃣With 40 required off four overs, Sunny Sandhu turned it around with a game-changing over 🔥Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/DlpijtPpFx@IDFCFIRSTBank | #SMAT pic.twitter.com/bkaaSpEl1S — BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 8, 2025 This attacking knock came at a crucial point when Tamil Nadu needed quick runs in the final overs. He supported Sai Sudharsan, who made an unbeaten 101 off 55 balls, to help TN secure a three-wicket win. Through this performance, he caught the attention of fans and experts alike with regard to power hitting. Also Read | 4 Ashes 2025-26 Players Who Could Earn Big at the IPL 2026 Auction Ashwin's Cryptic Post Boosts His Popularity A day after the match, Ravichandran Ashwin posted an unusual collage that had Sunny Leone and Sadhu Street in Chennai. With no caption, fans were perplexed at first. But a few soon cracked the joke, “Sunny + Sadhu = Sunny Sandhu.” The silent shoutout from Ashwin went viral and brought massive attention to the youngster. Several fans feel that Ashwin might indirectly have increased Sandhu's value ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Sunny Sandhu's Future Looks Bright He still has a long way to go, having played only two matches. But his fearless batting style, his all-round ability, and Ashwin's viral endorsement have helped him stand out in the crowded domestic circuit. IPL teams looking for young finishers and fast-bowling all-rounders will surely keep an eye on him.