Sandeep Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane is the global face of Nepalese cricket and a world-class right-arm leg-spinner renowned for his deceptive googlies and high-impact spells. A trailblazer for his nation, he became the first Nepalese cricketer to play in elite franchise leagues like the IPL, Big Bash, and CPL, bringing invaluable international experience to the Black Caps’ neighbors. As the fastest bowler in history to reach 100 ODI wickets (in just 42 innings), he serves as Nepal’s primary strike weapon, consistently ranking among the top T20I bowlers globally. With over 125 T20I wickets at a stunning average of approximately 12.14, his ability to extract turn and bounce on any surface makes him one of the most feared leg-spinners in the modern game.

Heading into the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Lamichhane continues to lead Nepal's spin department with exceptional form, recently claiming 21 wickets in 10 matches during the 2025 calendar year. His importance to the squad was further cemented during the 2025 Asia & EAP Qualifiers, where he recorded a dominant five-wicket haul against Qatar. Despite facing significant personal and legal challenges that briefly sidelined him, his return to the national side has been met with immediate success, underscoring his resilience and status as a match-winner. Currently spearheading the Biratnagar Kings in domestic cricket and the national attack on the world stage, Sandeep remains the ultimate X-factor for Nepal's hopes of upsetting major cricketing powers.