Kathmandu, October 23
Janakpur Bolts, champions of the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL), endured a dramatic fall in the second edition, winning just one match to finish bottom of the table. Ahead of the third season, the Madhesh Province franchise has made sweeping changes to its squad, bringing in experienced international players while releasing marquee player and Nepal wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh.
Janakpur Bolts has undergone a remarkable turnaround in just two seasons. It won the inaugural title, finished last in the following edition and became the first team to appoint a captain other than its marquee player. It has now also become the first franchise to release its marquee player.
In the inaugural season, wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh was Janakpur’s marquee player, but Anil Shah was appointed captain. Janakpur Bolts finished second in the league stage, lost the first qualifier to Sudurpaschim Royals, then defeated Karnali Yaks in the second qualifier to reach the final. It went on to beat Sudurpaschim and lift the inaugural trophy.
The second season was a different story. Following a poor run, Janakpur Bolts changed its captaincy plans and benched players as it struggled for results. Its biggest decision ahead of the third edition was to release Aasif, a marquee player and member of Nepal’s national team.
Leg-spinner Lalit Rajbanshi has since been named the new marquee player. Alongside him, Janakpur retained Anil Shah, Mayan Yadav, Bikash Agri and Aditya Mahata.
Retentions and auction signings
Janakpur Bolts retained seven players ahead of the second season, but only two of those players, Anil Shah and Lalit Rajbanshi, remain from that group for the third edition. Mayan Yadav, Bikash Agri and Aditya Mahata, who joined through the auction ahead of the previous season, have also been retained.
The franchise has released Aasif Sheikh, Kishore Mahato, Rupesh Singh and Shubha Kansakar, among others.
Janakpur Bolts also released young fast bowlers Sher Malla and Hemant Dhami after winning the inaugural title. Malla went on to play for Lumbini in the second season, winning consecutive NPL titles, while Dhami impressed with Sudurpaschim Royals.
For the third edition, Janakpur signed eight players at the auction, the most of any team. Tirtha Raj Das was bought for Rs 1.5 million, while the other signings were Abhishek Tiwari, Bishal Patel, Amarsingh Rautela, Rit Gautam, Santosh Karki, Ashutosh Pandey and Bishal Susling.
Despite releasing several established pace options, Janakpur focused heavily on its batting during the auction. With four overseas players signed so far, the team still lacks a specialist frontline fast bowler.
Harmeet takes charge as Moeen Ali and Neesham return
While Janakpur Bolts has reshaped its domestic squad, its overseas recruitment has brought considerable experience.
The franchise has signed American spin-bowling all-rounder Harmeet Singh, who played for Sudurpaschim Royals in the previous two editions, and appointed him captain.
Jimmy Neesham, who helped Janakpur Bolts win the inaugural title, has also returned. The team has further strengthened its overseas contingent with England veteran spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali and experienced Pakistan batter Iftikhar Ahmed.
The four signings give Janakpur a blend of NPL experience and international quality. With two overseas slots still to fill, the franchise has an opportunity to address the remaining gaps in its squad.
Anil Shah is expected to take on wicketkeeping duties following Aasif’s release. Janakpur Bolts has also signed wicketkeeper Santosh Karki at the auction, although his chances of making the playing XI remain uncertain.
Spin looks strong, but pace remains a concern
Three of Janakpur’s four overseas recruits are all-rounders, giving the team flexibility in both batting and bowling. Harmeet and Moeen offer spin options, while Neesham can contribute medium-pace bowling. Iftikhar is expected to strengthen the middle order.
The spin department also includes new marquee player Lalit Rajbanshi and Aditya Mahata. With Harmeet and Moeen available, Janakpur Bolts appears well equipped in spin bowling.
Pace bowling, however, remains the biggest concern. Retained player Bikash Agri and auction signing Amarsingh Rautela are pace-bowling all-rounders, but neither is an established first-choice frontline bowler. Neesham can provide medium-pace support, but the team still appears to need a specialist fast bowler.
Janakpur Bolts has several batting options. Anil Shah and Mayan Yadav are among the top-order choices, with Rit Gautam and Santosh Karki providing alternatives. Tirtha Raj Das adds depth in the middle order, alongside overseas options Moeen, Neesham, Iftikhar and Harmeet. Moeen could also be considered for an opening role if required.
The Bolts have built a squad with depth in batting and spin bowling, but their pace attack could determine whether they can recover from last season’s disappointment and challenge for the title again.
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