Nepal Announces Squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 — Full Team Breakdown, Analysis & Expectations

Nepal Cricket Team has officially revealed its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking another milestone in its rise on the international stage. Under the leadership of Rohit Paudel, Nepal is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges in world cricket — competing against some of the strongest teams in a global tournament hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

This article gives you a detailed, deeply researched, and engaging overview of Nepal’s T20 World Cup squad, their strengths, tactical approaches, key players to watch, and the team’s potential impact in the tournament.

Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Squad

Here is the official squad Nepal has selected for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:

Rohit Paudel (Captain)
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

Nepal’s squad blends experienced performers with exciting young talent, making it one of the most talked-about teams heading into the T20 World Cup 2026.

Leadership & Captaincy

Rohit Paudel — The Young Leader

Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel has emerged as one of the most promising leaders in Associate-level cricket. Known for his fearless batting and tactical knowledge, Paudel brings a mature approach despite his young age. Under his captaincy, Nepal has shown strategic growth and confidence in T20 cricket.

Paudel’s leadership is especially important in major events like the T20 World Cup because it requires not just skill, but also mental strength and on-field decision-making under pressure.

Batting Analysis: Power, Experience & Depth

Nepal’s batting lineup is a mix of aggression and consistency, capable of performing in various match situations.

Top Order

Kushal Bhurtel — A powerful opening batsman with strong stroke play, Bhurtel has been a standout performer in Nepal’s batting order. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay makes him a crucial asset.
Aasif Sheikh — Known for his classy batting style and adaptability, Aasif can anchor the innings and rotate the strike effectively.
Sundeep Jora & Aarif Sheikh — Both offer aggressive batting and the ability to change gears when needed. Their roles will be especially important in middle overs.

Middle Order & Experience

Dipendra Singh Airee — A seasoned campaigner, Airee brings explosive power and tactical knowledge to the middle order. His experience in high-pressure situations is invaluable.
Basir Ahamad & Gulshan Jha — These younger batters add depth and variety to the batting lineup, giving Nepal flexibility in how they structure their innings.

Together, Nepal’s batting lineup balances aggressive intent with smart gameplay, meaning they can build innings patiently or explode with big hits depending on match requirements.

Bowling Attack: Spin Magic & Seam Strength

One of Nepal’s biggest strengths lies in its bowling — especially spin and seam versatility.

Spin Bowling

Sandeep Lamichhane — The most famous Nepalese cricketer and a global T20 sensation, Lamichhane brings world-class leg spin to the team. His ability to deceive batsmen with flight, variation, and accuracy makes him a potent threat in middle overs.

Lamichhane’s spin bowling will be particularly effective on slower pitches or surfaces that turn, making him a key component of Nepal’s bowling strategy in subcontinental conditions.

Seam Power

Sompal Kami & Karan KC — These experienced seam bowlers offer pace, bounce, and movement, helping Nepal balance its bowling attack. Both can take early wickets and maintain tight lines, critical in T20 formats.
Lalit Rajbanshi — A rising pace talent, Rajbanshi adds fresh energy and depth to the bowling unit. His ability to mix pace and control makes him an asset especially in pressure situations.

All-Round Bowling Depth

Players like Nandan Yadav, Sher Malla, and Lokesh Bam may contribute with both bat and ball, adding tactical depth to the squad. Their roles might involve targeting specific matchups or providing strategic options in tight scenarios.

Nepal’s bowling attack is balanced and versatile, capable of adapting to different pitch conditions — a key requirement in ICC tournaments.

Team Strategy & Tactical Goals

Nepal’s squad selection suggests a well-thought-out strategy that includes:

1. Aggressive Start

Nepal will aim to use its strong top order to build momentum early, especially in powerplay overs where scoring quickly can provide a significant advantage.

2. Middle-Over Control

With players like Dipendra Singh Airee and Lamichhane, Nepal’s strategy may involve consolidating in the middle overs with controlled batting and tactical bowling changes.

3. Spin Dominance

Lamichhane’s inclusion is a major advantage on spin-friendly tracks. If Nepal can exploit spin conditions early, it could create pressure on bigger teams.

4. Bowling Variety

A blend of pace and spin gives Nepal the flexibility to rotate bowlers effectively, manage workloads, and adapt to game situations.

Sandeep Lamichhane

A global T20 star, Lamichhane’s ability to turn the game around with a single spell of spin bowling makes him Nepal’s biggest match-winner.

Kushal Bhurtel

An explosive top order batsman who can take the game away in the first six overs.

Sompal Kami & Karan KC

Experienced seam bowlers with the ability to deliver under pressure, especially in crucial overs.

Dipendra Singh Airee

Provides leadership, power hitting, and experience in clutch situations — a key player for Nepal’s tactical setups.

Rohit Paudel

As captain, Paudel’s influence on team morale, game plans, and match-time decisions will be crucial for Nepal’s campaign.

Group Stage Prospects & Fixtures

Nepal has been drawn into a competitive group for the T20 World Cup 2026 alongside strong cricketing nations. Their campaign begins with matches that will be crucial in determining their standing and qualification prospects for the Super 8s or Knockout stages.

Each match will test Nepal’s adaptability, team strategy execution, and ability to perform under pressure. The team’s overall performance will depend on how well they balance cautious game planning with aggressive play when needed.

Historical Context: Nepal’s Rise in T20 Cricket

Nepal’s cricket journey has been inspiring. Once considered a lower-tier cricket nation, Nepal has steadily made its mark in international cricket, especially in the T20 format. The team’s spirited performances in qualifiers and global tournaments have earned them respect from fans and experts around the world.

With growing infrastructure, better exposure, and enhanced coaching support, Nepal’s cricket has shown promising potential — and this T20 World Cup squad is a reflection of that progress.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect from Nepal

Nepal’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is a balanced mix of experience, skilled spin bowling, aggressive batting options, and versatile all-rounders. While they may face stiff competition from traditional cricket powerhouses, Nepal’s fearless approach and strategic depth make them a team to watch.

Their performances will likely hinge on harnessing spin conditions effectively, building early batting partnerships, and maintaining consistent bowling pressure.

Fans across Nepal and global cricket lovers will be cheering for the Tigers as they step into this exciting chapter of T20 World Cup history — ready to surprise, compete, and create unforgettable moments in the world’s biggest T20 tournament.