Nepal's newly appointed ODI captain Sandeep Lamichhane has targeted victories in all four of the team’s remaining Cricket World Cup League 2 matches as Nepal fight to retain their ODI status.
Speaking to Cricnepal after receiving the captaincy, Lamichhane acknowledged the scale of the responsibility but said his primary focus would be uniting the team and making the best use of every player’s skills.
"The four remaining World Cricket League matches and the ACC Premier Cup are extremely important for us,” Lamichhane said. “We have no alternative but to win."
Nepal's results have left them needing to consider the qualification equations around them, but Lamichhane said the team must concentrate first on winning its own matches.
"If we win all four games, we will put ourselves in a very good position to retain ODI status," he said. "We have to take it one match at a time and be ready for every opportunity."
Lamichhane admitted Nepal's recent performances away from home had fallen short of expectations, particularly with the bat. He described the conditions as challenging but said they could not excuse the results.
Nepal plan to prepare in conditions relevant to their upcoming assignments in Oman and Malaysia, he added.
"We tried our best, but the results did not come in our favour," Lamichhane said. "We continued to fight in every game. I am confident that if we remain united and work hard, this team can produce good results."
The leg-spinner also played down concerns about his own form following three consecutive wicketless matches. He said form could not be judged through one performance and emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency.
Lamichhane identified controlling the middle overs as one of his central responsibilities. He said effective pace bowling with the new ball, combined with control through the middle, would also make the death overs easier for Nepal’s fast bowlers.
As captain, Lamichhane intends to retain his naturally attacking approach while adapting tactics to individual players and match situations.
"On the field, I am an attacking player by nature," he said. “But every player has a different nature. We have to use attacking and defensive options according to what the team needs at that moment."
Lamichhane also paid tribute to former captain Rohit Paudel, praising how he led Nepal through a difficult period and repeatedly proved himself as a batter, captain and fielder.
"He has been fantastic," Lamichhane said. "He has made his friends, family and country proud. I will make every possible effort to carry forward the legacy he created as captain."
The new captain asked supporters to continue backing the side through victories and defeats. He promised that Nepal's players would commit themselves fully to showing why the country belongs among the leading Associate teams.
