The inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) is just around the corner, and the build-up to the competition is intense and buzzing. Eight franchise teams will compete in what promises to be an exciting competition, with the inclusion of legendary international players being the cherry on the top.
Among the tournament favourites, the Chitwan Rhinos stand out as a formidable side, having won the latest edition of both Pokhara Premier League (PPL) and Everest Premier League (EPL). But can they replicate this success in the NPL? For Chitwan, much of their success hinges on their veteran players’ contributions.
Despite a well-balanced squad with promising young talents, it’s the experienced campaigners who are likely to be the difference-makers for the side. Here’s the good and the not-so-good of the franchise: –
Leadership: Kushal Malla and Sharad Vesawkar factor
Dashing southpaw Kushal Malla, the marquee signing, will lead Chitwan. As a hard-hitting left-handed batter and a handy left-arm spinner, he is pivotal to the team’s balance. However, Malla’s lack of experience in leading at the top level could weigh on him, particularly as he juggles the dual role of captain and all-rounder.
To ease the pressure, Chitwan will rely heavily on the seasoned Sharad Vesawkar. Hailed as the successful captain in domestic cricket, Vesawkar brings an enormous experience to the table. While his primary roles will be as a batter, finisher to be more precise, and part-time off-spinner, his leadership skills will be equally crucial, particularly in crunch situations. Malla is likely to lean on Vesawkar for guidance during high-pressure moments. Chitwan might have had this in mind while bidding for the 36-year-old batter.
A Fierce Pace Attack
Chitwan boasts one of the most lethal pace attacks in the tournament. Leading the charge is left-arm pacer Rijan Dhakal, who has been in sensational form for Nepal. Known for his ability to mix pace and variations, Dhakal can be effective both with the new ball and at the death.
Chitwan also secured the service of Nar Bahadur Sarki, a seamer adept at generating movement with the new ball, to replace the injured Kamal Airee. He will be crucial to providing an early breakthrough for the side, particularly on the fresh track of TU cricket ground during morning matches. However, there are concerns about Airee’s fitness, which could open the door for local pacers Gautam KC and Dipesh Shrestha to step in.
The team’s overseas signing, South African Merchant de Lange, would have played a critical role in mentoring the younger bowlers. However, he has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Likewise, former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara with his clever medium pace, provides more flexibility and depth in the attack.
Spin Department: A Weak Link?
While Nepal has a rich tradition of producing quality spinners, Chitwan’s squad lacks a standout specialist in this department. Kushal Malla’s left-arm spin and Sharad Vesawkar’s off-spin provide options, but neither is a frontline wicket-taker.
Among the overseas recruits, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Luc Benkenstein offer leg-spin options. However, the absence of an experienced Nepali spinner could be a significant drawback. Promising young spinner Ranjeet Kumar remains an option but breaking into the starting XI may be a challenge for him.
Top Order Woes
Chitwan’s top order appears unsettled. Eighteen-year-old Afghan batter Hassan Eisakhil is expected to open the innings, likely partnered by Twenty-year-old left-hander Bipin Rawal. While both are good young prospects, their lack of experience at this level makes them vulnerable to opposition bowlers exploiting the new ball.
Namibian batter Jan Nicole Loftie-Eaton, who holds the record for the fastest T20I century (scored at TU cricket ground against the host), strengthens the top order, with his aggressive batting. Chitwan might consider promoting Loftie-Eaton to open alongside Eisakhil, with captain Kushal Malla taking the number three position. A strong start from the top order will be crucial for Chitwan to capitalize on their experienced middle order, consisting of the likes of Vesawkar, Bopara and Rautela.
Flexibility From All-Rounders
One of Chitwan’s key strengths is the abundance of all-rounders in their squad. Players like Kushal Malla, Ravi Bopara, Amar Singh Routela, Jan Nicol Loftie- Eaton and Luc Benkenstein provide the team with versatility, ensuring the management can adapt to various match situations. This depth could prove invaluable in a competitive tournament like the NPL.
Chitwan Rhinos is indeed an intriguing side that could pull off miracles on their day. It is exciting to see how Malla leads his arsenal. The extra onus on his shoulder make him more dangerous or will it be too much to handle for the youngster, plenty of things to watch on when the side begins the tournament on 2nd December against the capital city-based franchise. Can Chitwan’s blend of youth and experience lead them to their maiden NPL title? Only time will tell.
- Marquee Player: Kushal Malla
- Squad: Rijan Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee, Sharad Vesawkar, Bipin Rawal, Santosh Karki, Dipesh Shrestha, Amar Singh Rautela, Deepak Bohara, Ranjit Kumar, Gautam KC
- Foreign Players: Ravi Bopara, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Luc Benkenstein, Hassan Eisakhil
- Local Iconic Player : Salahuddin Khan
- Head Coach: Umesh Patwal (India)
- Assistant Coach : Kalam Ali ( Nepal )
Probable Playing XI
Santosh Karki
Hassan Eisakhil
Deepak Bohara/Bipin Rawal
Kushal Malla
Ravi Bopara
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton
Sharad Vesawkar
Amar Singh Rautela
Dipesh Shrestha
Rijan Dhakal
Gautam KC/Nar Bahadur Sarki
