New Delhi: Nepal Cricket has announced its squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held next month in India and Sri Lanka. The 23-year-old batting all-rounder Rohit Paudel has been appointed captain of the national side, while experienced campaigner Dipendra Singh Airee will serve as vice-captain.
The squad also features star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, one of Nepal’s most high-profile and talked-about cricketers. Along with Airee and Lamichhane, Paudel is considered among the wealthiest and most influential cricketers in Nepal. After a disappointing outing in the T20 World Cup 2024, the Nepal Cricket Association has expressed confidence that this balanced squad can push for a Super 8 qualification in the upcoming edition.
Rohit Paudel’s Special Connection with India
Rohit Paudel’s story holds particular interest for Indian cricket fans due to his deep-rooted connection with India. His father, Kumar Paudel, served in the Indian Army and was a devoted admirer of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. It was Kumar Paudel who nurtured Rohit’s dream of becoming an international cricketer.
Rohit belongs to the Paudel (also known as Paudyal) community of western Nepal. Historians and cultural scholars believe this hill Brahmin community traces its origins to Pauri in Uttarakhand, strengthening Rohit’s cultural and ancestral links with India.
Record-Breaker at a Young Age
Rohit Paudel first came into the international spotlight in 2019, when he broke a 29-year-old record held by Sachin Tendulkar. At just 16 years and 146 days, Rohit scored a half-century (55 off 58 balls) against the UAE in Dubai, becoming the youngest player in international cricket to score a fifty.
Sachin Tendulkar had earlier set the record in 1989 by scoring a Test fifty against Pakistan at the age of 16 years and 213 days. While Rohit surpassed Tendulkar in overall international cricket, the record for the youngest Test fifty still remains with the Indian legend.
Strong Numbers in International Cricket
Rohit Paudel has already established himself as a key performer for Nepal:
- ODIs:
- Matches: 76
- Runs: 2,000+
- Average: 29.85
- Centuries: 2
- Fifties: 11
- T20 Internationals:
- Matches: 76
- Runs: 1,637
- Average: 27.74
- Strike Rate: 119
- Fifties: 8
He has also contributed with the ball, taking 10 wickets in ODIs and 13 wickets in T20Is with his off-spin.
Nepal Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
- Rohit Paudel (Captain)
- Dipendra Singh Airee (Vice-Captain)
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh
- Sundeep Jora
- Aarif Sheikh
- Bashir Ahmad
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Nandan Yadav
- Gulshan Jha
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Sher Malla
- Lokesh Bam
With a young captain, experienced all-rounders, and a potent spin attack, Nepal will be aiming to script history at the T20 World Cup 2026.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.