When Ian Bishop speaks about emerging cricket nations, he rarely does so lightly. So when the former West Indies fast bowler and respected broadcaster described Nepal as a “really special team” ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, it felt like more than polite praise.
Nepal have steadily built credibility over the past few years, but Bishop’s assessment places them firmly in a new bracket: as a side that is no longer just participating, but one that can genuinely influence the narrative of a global tournament.
Ian Bishop Speaks On Nepal’s Chances At T20 World Cup 2026
Speaking about Nepal’s growth, Ian Bishop on ICC highlighted how repeated exposure at World Cups has shaped the team.
“Nepal have built up a fair bit of experience across World Cups now. They were part of the last World Cup in 2024 in the Caribbean, and that exposure shows.”
That experience has translated into calmer decision-making, improved discipline with the ball, and a clearer sense of roles, all vital elements of Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparation.
At the centre of that progress is captain Rohit Paudel, whom Bishop singled out as a key figure in the Nepal squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
“Rohit Paudel, at 25, is a lovely young man and a very good captain,” Bishop said. “He leads the side well and is a quality young batter too. He has a very good head on his shoulders and is someone to watch in this World Cup, especially if he finds form.”
Rohit Paudel’s captaincy has given Nepal continuity and calm leadership, qualities that often separate competitive teams from merely enthusiastic ones on the world stage.
Bishop also pointed to Nepal’s top-order options, starting with Kushal Bhurtel, whose aggressive approach sets the tone. Further down the order, Gulshan Jha adds versatility.
Nepal’s bowling unit, while not headline-grabbing, has quietly become one of its strengths. Bishop highlighted the importance of experienced campaigners such as Karan KC, whose presence gives the attack shape and balance.
What Makes Nepal A Threat At T20 World Cup 2026?
What Bishop reserved his strongest praise for, however, was Nepal’s fielding, an area that has become their calling card.
“What I love most about them is their fielding. Dipendra Singh Airee is another standout, a good off-spinner, hits the ball well, but above all, he leads with his fielding. It is unbelievable.”
“There was a game, I think the second match against West Indies in that series in Sharjah, and I honestly can’t remember seeing a team field like that. It was electrifying. My jaw just dropped. Everything that went in the air, they sprinted 20 yards, dived another 10, and took the catch.”
Dipendra Singh Airee famously achieved a remarkable milestone last year, becoming the first player to effect direct-hit run-outs in five consecutive international matches. He managed a run-out in each of Nepal’s last five games against Oman, UAE, Qatar, USA, and West Indies across Super Six and T20I fixtures.
For a short-format tournament, that intensity could be decisive, particularly in close group matches.
What Could Be Nepal’s Challenge At T20 World Cup 2026?
Bishop was also clear-eyed about Nepal’s biggest challenge. Consistency with the bat remains the final piece of the puzzle, especially against top-tier bowling attacks.
“If they can put it all together, the batting will be their biggest challenge more than anything else,” he said.
External validation like this matters. When a voice like Ian Bishop backs Nepal’s balance, leadership and fielding, it reinforces why discussions around Nepal Super 8 chances at the T20 World Cup are no longer premature. If Nepal can translate their preparation into results, they could put themselves firmly in the conversation. With a settled squad, strong fielding identity, and growing confidence, Nepal enter the tournament not as spectators, but as a team others will have to take seriously.
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