Rijan Dhakal's emergence, a massive boost for Chitwan Rhinos & Nepal

Sohail Tanvir took eight wickets in the first two games of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. But since then, the veteran pacer hasn't been able to maintain that steam, with just one wicket across the next three games.

However, that has not hampered Chitwan Rhinos' progress in any way, as they have had Rijan Dhakal step up to the plate and deliver. Dhakal, a left-arm pacer, has as many wickets as Tanvir in the powerplay. His six wickets in the phase, including two against Lumbini Lions on December 10 (Tuesday), have come at an economy of 6.5 and 11 deliveries apart. 

Moreover, he has bowled 38 dots in the first six overs of the tournament, the most after Tanvir (51). Against the Lions, Dhakal made the best of the gloomy conditions early on, getting the ball moving into right-handers Aashutosh Ghiraiya and Unmukt Chand, who were cleaned up in the very first over. 

Dhakal's performances in the tournament do not come as much of a surprise, given that he has played plenty of T20 tournaments in Nepal over the years—the Everest Premier League, Nepal T20, and Nepal T20 National Games, among other tournaments. So, who better than Dhakal to understand the conditions and pitches in Nepal, right?

His grind and impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national side, and he made his debut earlier this year. He played three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and six T20 Internationals (T20I), but did not turn heads with his performances. The same cannot be said about his show in the NPL so far though. 

Will it be just a matter of time before he plays regularly for Nepal at the highest level? He ideally should. But with Karan KC and Sompal Kami their preferred strike bowlers, it is going to be tough. Had the 25-year-old shown a bit more impetus with the bat, he could have challenged Gulshan Jha for that all-rounder's position.

As far as NPL goes, Karan (2) and Kami have just five wickets between them, while Dhakal alone has eight and has gone wicketless just once in five matches. Dhakal may not get matches for Nepal right away, but he has made the right noise, pushing him higher in the pecking order.

Moreover, his left-arm pace would certainly add variety to the side, which is already stocked with all bowling types. Working with a senior pro like Tanvir has clearly been fruitful. 

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