Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most prolific batsmen in the Indian Premier League (IPL), made his much-anticipated debut in the 2024 Nepal Premier League (NPL) with Karnali Yaks. As the only Indian player in the inaugural edition of the NPL, Dhawan’s presence was eagerly awaited by fans across Nepal. However, his debut did not go as planned, as the left-handed opening batsman was dismissed cheaply for just 14 runs off 14 balls, leaving his supporters disappointed.
A Glimpse of Dhawan’s Early Promise
The NPL 2024 match between Karnali Yaks and Janakpur Bolts took place at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday. Dhawan, who recently retired from both international cricket and IPL earlier this year, was expected to showcase his skill and experience. Karnali Yaks, led by Nepal’s star all-rounder Sompal Kami, won the toss and chose to bat first.
Dhawan began with a flourish, hitting three quick boundaries in his short stay at the crease. His first four came off the first over, and two more followed in the third and fifth overs. With a confident start, it seemed that Dhawan was setting the stage for a big innings. However, just as quickly as he had started, his luck ran out.
Dhawan’s Disappointing End to His Innings
The turning point came when Dhawan misjudged a delivery from Canada’s Harsh Thaker. Attempting to play a shot, he was clean bowled for just 14 runs. Despite the early exit, Dhawan’s presence in Nepal was a major draw for fans, who had turned up in large numbers at both the airport and the stadium to catch a glimpse of the IPL’s second-highest run-scorer.
With 6,769 runs from 222 IPL matches, Dhawan’s reputation as one of India’s top run-scorers is well-established. His IPL career, which spans over a decade, has seen him build a legacy of consistency, making his quick departure from the NPL even more surprising.
Janakpur Bolts Cruise to Victory
Despite Dhawan’s brief appearance, the match continued with intense competition. Karnali Yaks set a target of 142 runs after a series of wickets fell early in their innings. The Yaks lost four key wickets—Dhawan, Dev Khanal, Chadwick Walton, and Zeeshan Maqsood—within just 35 runs on the scoreboard, putting their chances of a solid total in jeopardy.
However, Gulsan Jha (36), Arjun Gharti (33), and captain Sompal Kami (29) contributed valuable runs to help Karnali Yaks cross the 140-run mark. Had it not been for Kami’s aggressive hitting in the final over, which included two fours and a six off New Zealand’s James Neesham, the Yaks could have fallen well short.
On the other hand, Janakpur Bolts chased down the target with ease. Led by captain Anil Shah’s splendid knock of 62 not out off 42 balls, the Bolts reached the target comfortably with eight wickets in hand. Shah, along with Aasif Sheikh (36), put together an 84-run opening partnership, which laid the foundation for their victory. Lahiru Milantha (24) and Neesham (16 not out) finished off the chase in just 15.1 overs.
Shikhar Dhawan’s Impact Beyond the Field
Although his on-field performance was brief, Dhawan’s participation in the NPL is a significant moment for Nepalese cricket. As the only Indian cricketer in the competition, his involvement has boosted the visibility of the tournament, drawing attention from cricket fans across the globe.
Dhawan’s popularity is not just limited to his performances in the IPL. His consistent contributions to the Indian national team over the years have made him a beloved figure in world cricket. His NPL debut, though brief, is likely to inspire aspiring cricketers in Nepal and beyond.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Karnali Yaks
While Shikhar Dhawan’s debut in the Nepal Premier League was not the explosive start fans had hoped for, it was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket. Karnali Yaks, despite their loss, have a lot of potential with players like Kami and Jha, who continue to show promise. Meanwhile, Janakpur Bolts proved to be a formidable opponent, showing their batting depth and finishing capabilities.
As the NPL season progresses, fans will be eager to see how Dhawan adjusts to the format and whether Karnali Yaks can turn things around in future matches. For now, though, Dhawan’s brief innings stands as a testament to how quickly fortunes can change in cricket, with even the most experienced players sometimes facing unexpected hurdles.
