In a series of interesting events, Nepal have handed the responsibility of leading their ODI side to star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, bringing Rohit Paudel's tenure at the helm to an end. The 26-year-old, who previously represented Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), steps into the captaincy role with plenty of international experience behind him, having picked up 142 scalps from just 78 ODI outings.
The leadership change was officially confirmed by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on Monday, August 10. Lamichhane's first big assignment in his new role will come at the ACC Men's Premier Cup, where he will led Nepal.
“Sandeep Lamichhane steps in as Nepal’s new ODI Captain, leading the side at the ACC Men’s Premier Cup," CAN posted on X.
Sandeep Lamichhane's previous stint as Nepal skipper
Before this, Sandeep had a short stint as Nepal skipper during 2022. The 26-year-old spinner, who made his first ODI appearance in 2018, led Nepal in 14 ODIs during 2022. Rohit took over the leadership duties in 2023, before the role now returned to Lamichhane.
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However, Lamichhane endured a tough stint as skipper in 2022, winning only four, losing nine and game ended in a draw. He will now retun to the role with Nepal gearing up for a pivotal assignment.
What's next for Nepal?
Lamichhane's first challenge following returning to the captaincy duties will come in a competitive Group A at the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026. Nepal have been drawn along with Bahrain, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia with their tournament getting underway against Saudi Arabia on September 1 at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.