Kathmandu, October 23
Sudurpaschim Royals have finished runners-up in both editions of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s strongest sides but falling short at the final hurdle.
Under the leadership of Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, the Sudurpaschim Royals have been consistent throughout the competition. In both seasons, they won six of their seven league-stage matches to finish top of the standings and then secured their place in the final by winning the first qualifier.
However, the title has remained elusive. Sudurpaschim lost to Janakpur Bolts in the inaugural edition before suffering another final defeat against Lumbini Lions in the second season.
As the third edition approaches, the question is whether the Sudurpaschim Royals can turn their consistency into a championship.
The franchise boasts one of the NPL’s biggest fan bases and has continued to invest in experienced domestic players and overseas talent. The team has also begun preparations in Lucknow, India, under its coaching staff, which includes experienced Nepali coach Jagat Tamatta.
For the new season, the Sudurpaschim Royals have appointed former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach and have so far announced three overseas signings.
Trust in the domestic core
Sudurpaschim has retained much of its core group, signalling confidence in the players who have helped the franchise reach two consecutive finals.
Captain Dipendra, experienced wicketkeeper-batter Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey, Hemant Dhami, Avinash Bohara and Hikmat Mahara have all been retained.
Mahara joined the team as an iconic player through the talent hunt before making his NPL debut in the second edition. The other six retained players have represented Nepal at the national level, with Dipendra and Pandey currently part of the national setup.
Aarif was recently included in Nepal’s squad for the 20th Asian Games, while Dhami has also featured for the national ODI side.
The Sudurpaschim Royals have also brought back several players released before the auction. Deepak Bohara, Milan Bohara and Tek Rawat were re-signed, while Anil Kharel, Sachin Bhatta and Ayub Chand were added to the squad.
Through its talent hunt, the franchise has selected Tek Raj Thalal as an iconic player for the third edition.
With most of the squad drawn from Sudurpaschim Province, the team continues to offer opportunities to players from its home region while retaining a core of experienced performers.
Overseas signings strengthen the squad
The Sudurpaschim Royals have announced three overseas players so far — New Zealand’s Scott Kuggeleijn, Scotland’s Brandon McMullen and England’s Saif Zaib.
Kuggeleijn will represent Sudurpaschim for a third consecutive season. Zaib, who was named the best player in the inaugural edition, returns to the franchise after playing for Chitwan Rhinos in the second season. McMullen, a Scottish batting all-rounder, also returns to the team after featuring in its first two campaigns.
Last season, the Sudurpaschim Royals had overseas players including Australian batter Chris Lynn and US spin all-rounder Harmeet Singh.
Harmeet, who played for Sudurpaschim in both previous editions, has joined Janakpur Bolts for the upcoming season and is set to captain the side.
The departures and new arrivals mean the Sudurpaschim Royals will need to fine-tune their balance as they complete their overseas recruitment.
Batting looks balanced, but spin remains a concern
Zaib and McMullen can both bat in the top order and provide flexibility in the middle order. Bhandari is another option to open the innings, while Pandey and Aarif can strengthen the middle order.
Dipendra’s versatility gives the team further options, as he can bat in the middle order or take on the role of finisher when required.
However, replacing Harmeet’s contribution could be a challenge. The all-rounder offered an important combination of spin bowling and lower-order batting, and the Sudurpaschim Royals may need another overseas all-rounder capable of filling that role.
Kuggeleijn will lead the pace-bowling options alongside Avinash Bohara and Hemant Dhami. Dhami’s fitness and availability will be important as the team finalises its bowling combination.
Spin is another area requiring attention. Dipendra and newly signed Anil Kharel provide domestic options, but the departure of Harmeet and the release of Naren Saud have left room for another specialist spinner, potentially from overseas.
The franchise’s final overseas signings could therefore play a significant role in determining whether its squad has the depth to compete for the title again.
A third chance at the title
Sudurpaschim have already demonstrated that they can dominate the league stage. Winning six of seven matches in each of the first two editions and reaching both finals underlines their consistency.
But the final hurdle has proved difficult to overcome.
With Dipendra continuing as captain, a largely retained domestic core, returning overseas players and Misbah-ul-Haq taking charge as head coach, the Sudurpaschim Royals will once again enter the competition among the title contenders.
For a franchise that has come close twice, the third edition offers another opportunity to turn its consistency and strong regional support into its first NPL trophy.
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