Kushal Bhurtel

Kushal Bhurtel is an aggressive right-handed opening batter and a skilled right-arm leg-spin bowler who has become a centerpiece of Nepal’s international cricket strategy. Since his debut in 2021, he has redefined the possibilities for Nepalese openers, famously becoming the first player in history to score three consecutive half-centuries in his first three T20I matches. With a career T20I strike rate of over 130 and more than 1,800 runs in the format, he provides the explosive starts necessary to compete against major cricketing nations. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high scoring rate was on full display when he smashed his maiden T20I century against the Philippines in 2022, solidifying his role as a premier run-scorer for the Black Caps' neighbors.

Bhurtel’s impact extends beyond his batting, as his leg-spin has evolved into a genuine wicket-taking option for Nepal in the middle overs. He boasts remarkable T20I bowling figures, including a career-best of 4/12 against Papua New Guinea, and currently holds a competitive ranking among the top 25 T20I all-rounders globally. His resilience and 'X-factor' were pivotal during Nepal's qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup and his recent stellar form in the 2025 series against the West Indies. As a versatile athlete with nearly 40 international catches, Bhurtel remains an indispensable asset and a constant threat in all three departments of the game as Nepal continues its ascent in world cricket.