Players often talk about luck contributing for both their success and failure. Nepali Wicketkeeper-batsman Subash Khakurel, who will be making a debut after being recently included in the Nepali national team, could be the best representative to talk about luck for occasions.
Khakurel was not there in the 22-member squad for the ACC T20 initially. But not only he got a berth in 14-member squad, but is also likely to be an important player for the team, playing at home. It is almost sure that Khakurel will open the innings alongside Anil Mandal.
However, last hour entry in the team is not a new thing for Khakurel. He was not in the first 33-member team called in for the 11th South Asian Games held in Bangladesh last year. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) had added two players in the closed camp by then and Khakurel had made a cut through into the last 14. He was showed his importance for the squad asNepal crossed the group stage, at the tournament.
When Khakurel was asked about the two incidents, he credited luck behind it. “Probably, this is my luck. Every time, I’m going through the same incidents. I had no hope this time also as I was not in the 22-member squad,” said Khakurel.
Khakurel was called in the closed camp for training as Mehboob Alam and Bhuwan Karki sustained injuries ahead of Nepal U-25 team’s participation in the SAARC T20 held in theMaldiveslast month.
Mahesh Chhetri, the regular wicketkeeper-batsman of the team, could not impress new coach Pubudu Dassanayake by his batting inMaldives, and Khakurel got a chance to prove himself.
Khakurel, himself, expressed his disbelief on his inclusion. “At first I was surprised to hear my name, but I’m proud to be in it (national team),” said Khakurel. “I dreamt of being in the national team and it is fulfilled now. However, I know that I’m in as long as I perform,” said Khakurel.
Following his impressive performance in the South Asian Games, Khakurel was called in the closed camp for the ICC World Cricket League Division-5 but he could not secure a seat in the last 14. Nepali batsmen struggled to score runs against theUSbowlers in the Division-5, but Khakurel had scored 53runs off 34 balls in a warm-up match against theUSteam. TheUScoach and his team were surprised to know Khakurel was not in the national squad. “After the match, they told me that I should not wait longer to be in the national team,” Khakurel recalled the incident.
Khakurel claimed that he is aware of the national duty. People believe that Khakurel is in the team because of his batting skill. “I’m doing well behind the wicket and batting is another important responsibility for me,” said Khakurel. His attacking style could give a positive start for his team.
Khakurel is considered as good learner. “I’m going through intense training session and coach is teaching me very important techniques in wicketkeeping and batting,” said Khakurel after attending a 40-minute long training session for wicketkeeping bySri Lanka’s former wicketkeeper Dassanayake.
Looking back, Khakurel was unable to justify his role within the team after his impressive performance in the South Asian Games held inDhaka. He was average during the ACC U-19 Elite Cup held inThailandand ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers held inIreland. His 54-run innings againstAfghanistaninIrelandwas his best during that period.
The upcoming tournament could be an important one for Khakurel to prove his mettle. “I’m little nervous about the tournament on the home soil but I’m equally pumped up to do better,” said Khakurel.