In a country where cricketing heroes are often forged through grit and adversity, Dipesh Kandel has already carved out a reputation as one of Nepal’s most exciting young all-rounders. At just 20, the left-arm orthodox spinner and left-handed batter has shown time and again that he thrives when the spotlight burns brightest.

Kandel’s rise through Nepal’s youth structure has been steady, but it was one unforgettable spell that turned him into a household name. In the U-19 World Cup Qualifier 2023 final, the UAE needed just 11 runs to win. Nepal’s hopes were fading — until Kandel stepped up. With nerves of steel and the clarity of a seasoned pro, he produced a stunning hat-trick in the final over, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and sending Nepal to the 2024 ICC U-19 World Cup, their first since 2016. It was a moment stitched into Nepali cricket folklore, and it earned him the prestigious “Best Male Athlete” award — recognition that felt like a sign of things to come.

A classical slow left-arm bowler with subtle drift and deceptive flight, Kandel has become a trusted weapon in both youth and domestic cricket. Whether turning the game with the ball or offering stability as a left-handed batter, he brings the kind of versatility that coaches love and opponents fear. His domestic stints with Koshi Province, Itahari Adarsha Giants, and NBSC Lions have further refined his craft, helping him mature into a dependable all-round option.

Now, in the 2025 Nepal Premier League, Kandel dons the colours of the Kathmandu Gorkhas, adding youthful spark and big-match temperament to a star-studded side. For a team eyeing silverware, his ability to influence games under pressure is priceless.

(As of November 2025)