Rohit Paudel set to lead full-strength Nepal side in Asian Games

Cricket in Nepal has become quite the rage with a commendable fanbase backing the sport and the players in the country. Their team has also produced some fantastic results in a short span of time, and qualifying for the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 was one of them.

They have another assignment starting later this month and it is the Asian Games 2023. The Nepal side will begin their campaign in the 18-team event with a match against Mongolia on Wednesday, September 27. Their next match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 1 against the Maldives.

Nepal announced their 15-member squad for the event, and it comprises some of their most experienced players and some exciting youngsters who can make an impact on the big stage. Rohit Paudel will be leading the side that features seasoned leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who is out on bail after a case of alleged sexual harassment.

From the 17-man squad that was picked to play in the Asia Cup 2023, Bhim Sharki, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud, Aarif Sheikh, and Mousom Dhakal have been left out from the side for the Asian Games. Instead, Bibek Yadav, Abinash Bohara, and Binod Bhandari have been given opportunities. The latter will serve as a backup wicketkeeping option for Aasif Sheikh.

The likes of Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif, and Rohit will feature in the top order. Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi will take care of the spin department, with part-time options available in Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla. Karan KC and Sompal Kami will lead the pace attack. They will have support in the form of Gulshan Jha, Abinash Bohara, and Bibek Yadav. Pratis GC, who has played three ODIs so far, has been named in the squad and could receive his maiden T20I cap during the event.

Nepal men's squad for Asian Games: Rohit Paudel (C), Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Binod Bhandari, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, Abinash Bohara, Bibek Yadav, Pratis GC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sundeep Jora