Last Updated on 26 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey

Sandeep Lamichhane led Nepal’s ODI side in October 2026 after replacing Rohit Paudel as captain in August. Their Cricket World Cup League 2 squad has 15 members, with Aasif Sheikh keeping wicket and several batting and bowling combinations available.

Two results best illustrate those roles. Rohit’s 101 off 127 balls helped Nepal beat Canada on October 11, before three wickets apiece from Lamichhane and Nandan Yadav underpinned a 113-run victory against Oman on October 13.

Who are the key players for Nepal in 2026?

Here is an in-depth look at Nepal’s squad in ODI cricket, focusing on their key players and strengths.

Rohit Paudel Still Anchors the Batting

As of November 2026, Rohit Kumar Paudel is the only Nepal player to average 30+ in ODIs (min. 300 runs). He is the nation’s all-time leading run-scorer in the format (2,616) at an average of 31.51 with 14 fifties and three hundreds.

Paudel’s innings often carry Nepal through difficult early and middle overs. His century against Canada demonstrated the value of staying in when early wickets threaten to derail the innings. Two days later against Oman, the right-hander made 61 from 67 balls, and then watched Karan KC add a rapid 40 at the end.

Arjun Kumal and Ishan Pandey offer batting options near the top. Arjun scored 40 against Oman and Ishan added 37. Dev Khanal and Sundeep Jora provide depth.

Aasif Sheikh Opens the Batting and Keeps Wicket

Aasif Sheikh, Nepal’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs (2,209), combines top-order batting with wicketkeeping. Behind the stumps, the wicketkeeper contributes through catches, stumpings and run-out opportunities, even when his batting contribution is small.

Dipendra Singh Airee is an established all-rounder who bowls off-spin and can accelerate in the middle order. Gulshan Jha offers a left-handed batting option and contributes medium pace. Basir Ahmad offers left-handed batting and slow left-arm spin.

A key part of Nepal’s cricketing philosophy over the years is selecting players who can perform in multiple disciplines. Selecting all-rounders provides a captain with enough bowling options without sacrificing batting depth.

New-Ball Pace and Two Types of Spin

Captain Lamichhane is an established legspinner and Nepal’s highest-ever wicket-taker in ODIs (163). He averages an excellent 19.62 per wicket with an economy of 4.33.

Lalit Rajbanshi uses offers left-arm orthodox. Along with Lamichhane, both normally turn away from a right-handed batter, although they use different release mechanics and angles, including Lamichhane’s wrong-un. Exploiting these with different fields is crucial during the middle overs.

Karan KC and Nandan Yadav provide seam bowling. Nandan took 3/12 against Oman on October 13; Lamichhane claimed three for 28, while Karan added a destructive late batting cameo. Shahab Alam is another left-arm spin option and Sher Malla bowls off-spin. Pitch conditions and the makeup of the opposition batting lineup often determines which type of bowlers make the final XI.

Nepal’s squad for the October 2026 matches against Canada and Oman

Here is a recap of Nepal’s squad that won three of four matches against Canada and Nepal in October 2026.

• Batting and wicketkeeping: Rohit Paudel, Aasif Sheikh, Arjun Kumal, Ishan Pandey, Dev Khanal, Sundeep Jora.
• All-rounders: Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Basir Ahmad.
• Bowlers: Sandeep Lamichhane (captain), Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Shahab Alam, Sher Malla.

As reported by Kathmandu Post, veterans Kushal Bhurtel and Sompal Kami missed the squad.

What’s next for Nepal?

Nepal finished sixth in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament with 14 wins and 20 losses. They will now host a World Cup qualifier playoff in December, with the competition to also feature Jersey, Canada, Namibia, Kuwait, Uganda, Italy and UAE.

The top four teams from this competition will then progress to the 10-team World Cup Qualifiers tournament in South Africa and Namibia in February and March next year.

From there, four teams will travel back to Southern Africa in October and November. The winner of the Qualifier tournament advances straight to the group stage of the World Cup. The remaining three teams will play a Super Series where the winner will progress to the main group stage.

The strategy behind team selections

Nepal picked a versatile squad for their recent matches against Canada and Oman. Evidence suggests coach Stuart Law will persist with a similar approach for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off coming up in December.

These are big matches for Nepal in their quest to feature in next year’s ODI World Cup. As a result, they are sure to garner more attention. Fans comparing the best betting sites for cricket markets should verify whether a host of markets are offered, including individual run and wicket markets before and after lineups are confirmed.

Another factor to consider is the toss. For example, Mulpani Cricket Ground and Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur will host the December tournament. As the competition goes on, the pitches may become slower, aiding the spinners and making batting first a viable tactic.

It promises to be a fascinating tournament and it will be interesting to see how Nepal handle the occasion in front of their cricket-loving fans.