The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially unveiled its final 15-member squad that will carry the nation's hopes at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America from June 1.
Rohit Paudel to Lead Experienced Side
Young batting sensation Rohit Paudel will continue to captain the side, bringing his leadership experience to the global stage. The squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting talent, aiming to make a significant impact in the group stages.
The team includes several key players familiar to fans of Associate cricket. Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh and the explosive Kushal Bhurtel are expected to provide strong starts at the top of the order. The middle order will rely on the experience of Anil Kumar Sah and the captain himself.
Spin and Pace Attack for World Cup Conditions
Nepal's strength traditionally lies in its spin bowling, and the squad is well-equipped in this department. The legendary Sandeep Lamichhane headlines the spin attack, alongside all-rounders like Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla. Their ability to control the middle overs will be crucial.
The pace bowling unit will be led by Somnath Adhikari and Karan KC, known for his death-bowling heroics. The selectors have also included the promising Pratis GC to add depth to the fast-bowling resources.
The final 15-player squad is as follows:
- Rohit Paudel (Captain)
- Aasif Sheikh (Wicketkeeper)
- Anil Kumar Sah
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Kushal Malla
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Karan KC
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Somnath Adhikari
- Abinash Bohara
- Gulshan Jha
- Surya Tamang
- Pratis GC
- Mousom Dhakal
Preparation and Group Stage Challenge
In preparation for the mega-event, the Nepali team is currently engaged in a training camp. The selectors have also named four traveling reserves: Bibek Yadav, Hemant Dhami, Sundeep Jora, and Avinash Bohara. These players will accompany the squad and be ready to step in if required.
Nepal finds itself in Group D of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, a challenging pool that includes cricketing giants like South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. They will also face the Netherlands and the winner of the ongoing qualifier pathway. The team's first match is against the Netherlands on June 4 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, USA.
The announcement ends speculation and sets the stage for Nepal's third appearance at a T20 World Cup. Fans will be hoping the team, led by the dynamic Rohit Paudel, can spring a few surprises and advance beyond the first round, building on their growing reputation in the international cricket community.
