Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced: Paudel to Lead Talented Young Brigade
Nepal has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming global cricket extravaganza in India and Sri Lanka. As cricket fans gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026, the Nepalese contingent brings a blend of youthful energy and seasoned campaigners ready to make their mark on the world stage.
Rohit Paudel Takes Command
The 23-year-old all-rounder Rohit Paudel will continue his leadership journey as captain. His tactical awareness and composed batting approach have become the backbone of Nepal’s recent cricketing evolution. Paudel’s ability to read game situations and deliver under pressure makes him the perfect choice to guide this ambitious squad.
Standing beside him as vice-captain is Dipendra Singh Airee, whose explosive batting combined with clever bowling variations provides Nepal with crucial balance in the shortest format.
Complete Squad Breakdown
Nepal’s 15-Member Squad:
- Captain: Rohit Paudel
- Vice-Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee
- Wicketkeepers: Aasif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam
- Batters: Kushal Bhurtel, Sundeep Jora, Nandan Yadav, Basir Ahamad
- All-rounders: Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, Sompal Kami
- Spinners: Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
- Pacers: Karan KC, Sher Malla
Spin Arsenal Ready to Strike
Nepal’s spin department looks formidable with Sandeep Lamichhane leading the charge. The leg-spinner’s global T20 league experience across multiple continents gives Nepal a genuine match-winner in crucial middle-over phases. His partnership with left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi creates different angles of attack that can trouble even the best batting lineups.
The spin depth doesn’t end there. Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad provide additional spin options, allowing tactical flexibility depending on pitch conditions and opposition strengths.
Batting Firepower From Top to Bottom
| Batting Position | Key Players | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Openers | Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh | Aggressive starts & stability |
| Middle Order | Rohit Paudel, Lokesh Bam, Dipendra Singh Airee | Consolidation & acceleration |
| Lower Order | Sundeep Jora, Nandan Yadav | Finishing power |
Kushal Bhurtel’s attacking mindset at the top will be critical in setting aggressive tones during powerplay overs. His fearless approach against new-ball bowlers can immediately put opposition teams on the back foot.
Aasif Sheikh brings dual value as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter who combines sharp glovework with sensible batting. Lokesh Bam strengthens the middle order with his shot-making ability and composure during tight situations.
The depth extends impressively beyond the top six, with Sundeep Jora and Nandan Yadav providing quality options that can either rebuild innings or launch late-innings assaults depending on match situations.
Pace Battery Gains Momentum
The pace department features two experienced campaigners in Sompal Kami and Karan KC. Both bowlers bring valuable skills with the new ball, generating movement in favorable conditions while also possessing death-overs execution capabilities.
Supporting them are Nandan Yadav and Sher Malla, who add variety to the pace attack and provide bench strength. This four-pronged pace lineup gives Nepal options across different phases of T20 innings.
All-Round Strength Makes the Difference
One of Nepal’s biggest advantages heading into this tournament is exceptional all-round depth:
- Dipendra Singh Airee: Power-hitting + clever variations
- Gulshan Jha: Batting aggression + bowling options
- Aarif Sheikh: Middle-order solidity + part-time bowling
- Sompal Kami: Experienced bowling + handy lower-order runs
This versatility allows Nepal’s team management to adjust combinations based on opponent analysis and match situations without compromising team balance.
Learning From Past Experience
Nepal’s previous World Cup campaign in 2024 ended with four group-stage defeats and early elimination. However, that experience has shaped this squad’s preparation and mental approach.
The management has carefully selected players who can handle high-pressure situations and deliver consistent performances against top-tier opposition. Every player brings specific skills that address gaps identified from previous tournaments.
What Makes This Squad Special
Key Strengths:
- Balanced combination of youth and experience
- Multiple spin options for Asian conditions
- Deep batting lineup extending to number nine
- Tactical leadership from Paudel
- All-round flexibility across positions
- Proven performers in domestic and international T20 leagues
The squad’s average age hovers around mid-twenties, creating the perfect blend where young players bring energy and fearlessness while senior members provide guidance and composure during challenging moments.
Tournament Expectations
With the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule set to begin in February across venues in India and Sri Lanka, Nepal enters as an underdog with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
The playing conditions in the subcontinent should favor Nepal’s spin-heavy attack. Pitches offering turn will allow Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi to exploit their skills against teams less comfortable playing quality spin bowling.
Road Ahead
Nepal’s cricket journey has seen remarkable growth over recent years. From Associate nation status to competing at consecutive World Cups, the trajectory shows consistent upward movement.
This squad represents the next chapter in that evolution. With talented youngsters gaining exposure and experienced players reaching their peak years, Nepal possesses the ingredients needed for memorable performances.
The coaching staff has worked extensively on mental conditioning, recognizing that confidence and belief matter as much as technical skills at the highest level. Players have been encouraged to express themselves freely without fear of failure.
Final Thoughts
Nepal’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 reflects careful planning, strategic selection, and faith in young talent. Rohit Paudel’s captaincy provides stability, while the supporting cast offers variety and depth across all departments.
Cricket fans worldwide will watch with interest as Nepal seeks to announce itself more emphatically on the global stage. The talent exists within this squad to produce upsets and challenge established cricketing nations.
As preparations intensify and the tournament draws closer, Nepal’s players carry the hopes of millions back home who dream of seeing their team make history at this prestigious event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nepal’s captain for T20 World Cup 2026? Rohit Paudel will lead Nepal as captain, with Dipendra Singh Airee serving as vice-captain for the tournament.
How many players are in Nepal’s T20 World Cup squad? Nepal has announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Which spinners are included in Nepal’s World Cup squad? Nepal’s spin attack features Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi as specialist spinners, with additional spin options from Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad.
When does the T20 World Cup 2026 begin? The T20 World Cup 2026 starts on February 7 and runs through March 8, 2026, across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
What are Nepal’s key strengths for this tournament? Nepal’s main strengths include quality spin bowling, all-round depth, balanced batting lineup extending to lower order, and experienced leadership from Rohit Paudel.
How did Nepal perform in the previous T20 World Cup? Nepal was eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup without securing any wins from their four matches, providing valuable learning experience for this edition.
