Who Will Lead Nepal in the T20 World Cup 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Dubai, Jan 6 (NationPress) Cricket Nepal has officially unveiled a well-balanced squad of 15 players for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, aiming to leave a significant mark on the international cricket scene. Rohit Paudel is set to continue his role as captain in this edition.
The 23-year-old all-rounder, Paudel, has been pivotal in advancing Nepal's cricketing stature, consistently contributing with his batting while exhibiting remarkable leadership under pressure.
Support for Paudel comes in the form of Dipendra Singh Airee, who has been appointed as vice-captain. Airee's all-round skills are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining Nepal's balance in the fast-paced format of the game.
Nepal's team composition emphasizes spin, a strong mix of all-rounders, and the ability to manage pressure better in batting, as they aim to outdo their previous performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The spin department is spearheaded by Sandeep Lamichhane, who brings extensive international experience and is known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. He will be supported by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi and fellow spinners Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad.
All-rounders form the backbone of Nepal's lineup, with Dipendra, Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami all contributing essential balance to the team.
Kushal Bhurtel is anticipated to provide an aggressive start during the innings, while Aasif Sheikh will lend strength and reliability behind the stumps. Lokesh Bam will also be vital in fortifying the middle order, supported by Sundeep Jora and Nandan Yadav, to extend batting depth beyond the top six players.
The pace attack is led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, both of whom have considerable experience with the new ball and effective control during the death overs.
Nepal's squad for the T20 World Cup includes:
Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam