Kathmandu Gurkhas is the second most expensive franchise in the Nepal Premier League, valued at 33.3 million rupees. Their marquee player is Nepal’s talismanic all-rounder, Karan KC, who can change the course of a game with either bat or ball. Likely to lead the side, Karan brings nearly a decade of national playing experience, which he will undoubtedly leverage to aim for the title in this inaugural edition.
Kathmandu’s top five batters look fairly settled with the addition of two foreign players. Michael Levitt, who boasts a century and two fifties in just four t20i innings at the TU ground, and Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus, who has played eight ODIs at the same venue, provide significant firepower. Erasmus’s experience includes two fifties on this ground, which could give him an edge, although a fresh pitch is being prepared for the tournament.
There may be a contest between Michael Levitt and Stevie Eskinazi to open the innings alongside Sumit Maharjan, the former U-16 Nepal captain. If Micahel Levitt plays, they will have to accommodate wicket-keeper Raju Rijal somewhere in the lineup. Bhim Sharki will occupy the pivotal number three spot, looking to replicate his heroics from the EPL 2021, where he guided the Chitwan Tigers to title glory. In the middle order, English all-rounder Dan Douthwaite and Shankar Rana are expected to handle the finishing roles. Rana had a mixed domestic season—he was outstanding in the Koshi Province T20 tournament, scoring 173 runs in four innings with two half-centuries, but struggled in the Saptari League, managing just over 100 runs in six innings with one fifty.
Without a proven finisher, the Gurkhas will also rely on Karan KC and Rashid Khan to close out innings effectively. Karan and Rashid will also lead the charge with the new ball, supported by experienced domestic pacer Krishna Karki. In the spin department, veteran Shahab Alam, who continues to push for a national team recall, will partner with promising left-arm spinner Dipesh Kandel. Kandel, a 19-year-old U-19 star, has had an impressive year, taking 32 wickets in 16 matches across three domestic tournaments.
Karan KC is the only active member of Nepal’s national squad in the Kathmandu Gurkhas lineup. On paper, they might not appear as strong title contenders like Karnali Yaks or Lumbini Lions. However, their youthful exuberance and decent domestic experience could make them dark horses in the tournament. Much will depend on the top order and Karan KC’s leadership if they are to secure a playoff spot.
- Squad: Shahab Alam, Bhim Sharki, Rashid Khan, Shankar Rana, Dipesh Prasad Kandel, Sumit Maharjan, Krishna Karki, Bibek KC, Pratik Shrestha, Raju Rizal
- Foreign Players: Michael Levitt, Gerhard Erasmus, Stevie Sean Eskinazi, Dan Douthwaite, Nathan Sowter
- Local Iconic Player : Krish Karki
- Head Coach: Basant Shahi Thakuri (Nepal)
- Assistant Coach : Prakash Sharma
Probable Playing XI
Sumit Maharjan/Raju Rijal
Michael Levitt/Stevie Sean Eskinazi
Bhim Sharki
Gerhard Erasmus
Shankar Rana
Dan Douthwaite
Karan KC
Rashid Khan
Krishna Karki
Shahab Alam
Dipesh Kandel
