Nepal has long been celebrated for its left-arm spinners, producing players like Basant Regmi and Shakti Gauchan, who were pivotal during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014, and their successors, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sagar Dhakal, Sushan Bhari, and Shahab Alam. However, the nation’s left-arm medium pacers have had a different story.
Mahaboob Alam remains the standout name, etching his place in cricket history with his extraordinary 10-wicket haul against Mozambique in the 2008 ICC World Cricket League Division Five. Despite a short-lived international career, his domestic heroics ensured he remained Nepal’s benchmark for left-arm pace.
Following Alam, Lalit Bhandari emerged as a potential successor, but a tragic bike accident derailed his ascent. While Bhandari made a return to domestic cricket earlier this year, his chances of a national comeback remain uncertain.
Currently in Nepal, two left-arm pacers are making waves: Pratish GC and Rijan Dhakal. Pratish, known for his all-round abilities, has found a niche in shorter formats. Rijan, on the other hand, has emerged as a versatile pacer capable of excelling across formats.
The Making of Rijan Dhakal
Born in Chitwan, Bagmati Province, Rijan’s rise began during the 2024 Prime Minister’s Cup. Representing Bagmati, he claimed 15 wickets in nine matches, a performance that earned him a call-up to Nepal’s senior team for the ODI series against Canada and the ICC Men’s CWC League 2 home leg against the Netherlands and Namibia.
Rijan revealed his selection came as a surprise, learning about it through a fan comment on Instagram. Expecting a Nepal A call-up, he was ecstatic to find himself in the senior team. His debut against Canada saw him deliver an impressive 7-0-34-1, marking a proud moment for his family, especially his father, who had supported his cricketing ambitions.
Rijan’s journey, however, has not been without challenges. Losing his mother in a road accident at 15 was a life-altering tragedy. His father and stepmother became his pillars of support, nurturing his cricketing aspirations from his school days.
Early Struggles and Comeback
Rijan’s early cricket career began with an under-16 camp for the ACC Eastern Region Championship in Malaysia. While his initial performances were modest, he later faced a major setback, missing out on the 2016 U19 World Cup due to poor form. Compounding his struggles was a back injury that sidelined him for two years, forcing him to consider left-arm spin temporarily.
His return came during the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup, where he joined Bagmati Province as a reserve player. Learning from legends like Paras Khadka and Gyanendra Malla, Rijan solidified his place in the Bagmati team and gradually found his rhythm.
A Breakthrough Year
The 2024 PM Cup became a turning point. Consistent performances and his aggressive bowling style earned him a senior team call-up and a spot in the Nepal A squad for the Ireland Wolves series. The year became even more memorable when Rijan was the first pick in the Nepal Premier League auction, securing a contract with Chitwan Rhinos for NPR 10 lakh.
Rijan’s impact was immediate, with a Player of the Match performance against Pokhara Avengers, claiming 3/10 in a single over. Sharing the dressing room with Pakistan’s Sohail Tanveer has been an invaluable learning experience, further refining his craft.
Eyes on the Future
Rijan Dhakal’s journey from an underdog to a rising star symbolizes his hardwork and determination. With consistent performances in domestic and international cricket, he aims to cement his place in Nepal’s national team and inspire a new generation of left-arm pacers.
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