By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jan 06, 2026 13:51 PM • 35 views
KATHMANDU, Jan 6, 2026 – The wait is over. The Rhinos are ready to charge on the global stage once again.
In a highly anticipated announcement this evening, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) unveiled the official 15-man squad that will represent the nation at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Led by the talismanic Rohit Paudel, the squad features a blend of battle-hardened veterans and explosive young talent. This signals Nepal’s intent to compete fiercely against the heavyweights in Group C.
The Squad: A Mix of Stability and Firepower
The selection committee has kept faith in the core that defined Nepali cricket’s recent rise, while adding profiles suited for the sub-continental conditions in Mumbai, where Nepal will play its group stage matches.
Rohit Paudel retains the captaincy, providing stability to the batting order. He will be supported by his deputy, the "Tiger" Dipendra Singh Airee, whose all-round prowess remains the heartbeat of this team.
The most reassuring sight for fans is Sandeep Lamichhane. The leg-spin wizard, instrumental in Nepal’s global recognition, leads a spin attack that looks lethal for Indian pitches. He is joined by the disciplined left-arm orthodox of Lalit Rajbanshi and the promising Sher Malla, whose inclusion addresses the need for aggressive wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
Analysis: Pace, Power, and the X-Factors
The pace department sees the reunited "Som-Karan" duo, Sompal Kami and Karan KC, bringing years of experience and lower-order hitting. The inclusion of Nandan Yadav adds a fresh dimension to the seam attack, offering a skiddy option that could be vital under the lights at the Wankhede. the batting unit’s intent. The recall of Lokesh Bam suggests a clear strategy: Nepal wants to maximize the powerplay and death overs with pure six-hitting ability. Alongside the dynamic opening pair of Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, and the finishing duties of Sundeep Jora and Gulshan Jha, this lineup is built to chase targets, not just set them.
The Road Ahead
The stakes have never been higher. Inl faces a gauntlet of fixtures in Mumbai:
- Feb 8: vs England (The Opener)
- Feb 12: vs Italy
- Feb 15: vs West Indies
- Feb 17: vs Bangladesh
Opening the campaign against defending champions England at the Wankhede Stadium. This is a fire. This is the kind of stage to reveal CAN's confidence in the squad's preparation.
As the team prepares to depart for India, the message from the jersey, emblazoned with the majestic Rhino and the jagged peaks of the Himalayas, is clear: Nepal is coming to play.
