Empire Sports owns the Sudurpaschim Royals, with Nepal’s premium all-rounder, Dipendra Singh Airee, serving as their marquee player. The franchise has strategically included several hometown players such as Dipendra Singh Airee, Binod Bhandari, Naren Saud, and Khadak Bohara, creating a strong local connection.
The Royals have been creating a buzz on social media, and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses reveals a team with significant potential. However, selecting their two openers from four strong candidates could pose a slight challenge. Brandon McMullen, who recently smashed a brilliant 151 against the USA in the ICC CWC League-2, is likely to slot into the crucial number three position. Dipendra Singh Airee is expected to bat at number four while also leading the side.
The middle order looks solid, featuring players like Aarif Sheikh, the experienced Binod Bhandari, overseas campaigner Rohan Mustafa, and promising English all-rounder Saif Zaib. Although Binod Bhandari opened for Far West United during the Nepal T20 League, he is unlikely to take up that role here due to the plethora of opening options available.
While their batting lineup appears formidable, the bowling department seems relatively weaker. Much will depend on the performances of Abinash Bohara and Scott Kuggeleijn. Bohara, in particular, hasn’t been in top form and was recently dropped from the three-match T20I series against the USA. The Royals will also need significant contributions from young Bhoj Raj Bhatta and their all-rounders to bolster their bowling attack.
If the Sudurpaschim Royals’ bowlers can complement their strong batting lineup, they will be a formidable side in the competition, especially with their resilient middle-order batters.
Marquee Player: Dipendra Singh Airee
Squad: Md Aarif Sheikh, Abinash Bohara, Binod Bhandari, Ishan Pandey, Arjun Kumal, Khadak Bahadur Bohara, Naresh Budhayer, Bhoj Raj Bhatta, Amit Shrestha, Naren Saud
Foreign Players: Rohan Mustafa, Scott Kuggeleijn, Saif Zaib, Brandon McMullen
Local Iconic Player: Basant Khatri
Head Coach: Jagat Tamata (Nepal)
Mentor: Brad Hodge (Australia)
Probable Playing XI:
- Arjun Kumal/Ishan Pandey
- Naresh Budhayer/Amit Shrestha
- Brandon McMullen
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Binod Bhandari
- Rohan Mustafa
- Md Aarif Sheikh
- Saif Zaib
- Abinash Bohara
- Scott Kuggeleijn
- Bhoj Raj Bhatta
