Karnali Yaks is one of the high-profile teams in the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL). The team has become a hot topic among fans, especially after roping in former India opener Shikhar Dhawan. However, initial reports suggest Dhawan will play only four matches. Nepal’s marquee pacer Sompal Kami is a key player for Karnali Yaks, while former Nepal skipper Gyanendra Malla has been entrusted with coaching duty.
Karnali Yaks Squad
- Sompal Kami ( Marquee Player ) , Gulshan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Mausam Dhakal, Arjun Gharti ( wk ) , Dev Khanal, Rit Gautam, Bhuvan Karki, Dipendra Rawat, Dipak Dumre ( wk ), Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri , Foreign Players: Shikhar Dhawan, Chadwick Walton, Babar Hayat, Hussain Talat
- Local Iconic Player : Bipin Prasad Sharma
- Head Coach: Gyanendra Malla (Nepal)
- Consultant Coach: Raju Basnyat (Nepal)
This team appears top-heavy, which might give the management a selection headache, particularly while finalizing the top three batters. Dhawan and West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Chadwick Walton are likely to open the innings. This combination could push Dev Khanal and Rit Gautam—both accustomed to batting in the top three—down to No. 3 and No. 4. Hong Kong’s explosive batter Babar Hayat is expected to follow at No. 5. However, the team may consider slotting either Khanal or Gautam in the top three, which would allow Hayat to bat at No. 4, a more impactful position for a player of his caliber.
This setup means the middle and lower order could appear slightly vulnerable. Players like Arjun Gharti or Dipak Dumre might be tasked with bolstering the middle order if Karnali Yaks play only one among Khanal and Gautam. Pakistan’s Hussain Talat, along with Nepal’s dynamic all-rounder Gulshan Kumar Jha, is expected to anchor the finishing duties.
In the bowling department, Karnali Yaks boasts a solid lineup. Sompal Kami leads the attack, supported by spinners Bhuvan Karki and Mausam Dhakal, along with pacer Nandan Yadav. Kami’s leadership and experience, especially after guiding his teams to previous title glories, will be instrumental in shaping the Yaks’ campaign.
With a formidable top order and a settled bowling attack, Karnali Yaks emerges as one of the favorites to clinch the NPL title.
Probable XI of Karnali Yaks
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Chadwick Walton
- Dev Khanal
- Rit Gautam/Arjun Gharti/Dipak Dumre
- Babar Hayat
- Gulshan Kumar Jha
- Hussain Talat
- Bhuvan Karki
- Sompal Kami
- Nandan Yadav
- Mausam Dhakal
