Why Akash Chand Is The Next Big Thing For Nepal Cricket?

U-19 tournaments are always special for Nepal. If we are talking about results, Nepal has beaten giants like India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, England and many more on U-19 levels. Similarly, players like Gyanendra Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lammichhane, Basanta Regmi, Kushal Bhrutel, Paras Khadka and many others showed a strong personality for Nepal on U-19 level. Some of them ended being legend for Nepal while some are being cruical for National Team. A new name seems to emerge for Nepal from U-19 level and his name is Akash Chand. Akash Chand masterclasss helped Nepal register a big win against Afghanistan U-19 on 2024 U-19 World Cup. Akash Chand took 5 wickets against strong Afghan side and gave just 34 runs on his crucial 8 overs. He was also named MOTM on that match. That was the match where it felt like Nepal got another superstar incoming. Akash Chand has all potientiality on this world. Here are reasons why we think Akash Chand is next big thing for Nepal: 1) Good with new ball: Akash Chand’s ability with the new ball has already been a standout feature of his bowling, both at the U-19 level and in A matches. His skill in swinging the ball, especially in the initial overs, is a crucial asset for any pacer. The new ball is often the most critical phase of a match, where it offers the best chance for bowlers to break partnerships and put pressure on the opposition. Akashs ability to generate swing early in the innings gives him a distinct advantage, as he can move the ball both ways, making it challenging for openers to settle. As Karan KC, one of Nepal’s most experienced pacers, is on his 30s, there’s a growing need to ensure that Nepal has a reliable bowler who can take over the reins in the future. Karan has been a vital player for Nepal, particularly in the opening overs, where his pace and experience have been invaluable. However, with age catching up and his body starting to feel the effects of a long career, the time is fast approaching for a younger player to step up and fill his shoes. This is where Akash Chand comes into play. He has already demonstrated the potential to take over from Karan in terms of the new-ball duties. Akash’s skill set, particularly his swing and pace, provides the perfect foundation for him to succeed in this role. Not only does he have the necessary tools to excel with the new ball, but his sharpness and youthful energy give him an edge over more seasoned bowlers, allowing him to generate more movement and maintain high speeds for longer periods. Akash’s development and rise in the U-19 and A-team circuits show that he has the temperament and talent to be a future leader of Nepal’s bowling attack. With Karan KC’s age becoming a factor in the near future, Akash is emerging as the perfect successor, ready to carry the baton of new-ball responsibilities. His success in this area will be pivotal for Nepal, ensuring that the team continues to have a reliable and potent threat with the new ball in the years to come. 2) Full of variations: Akash Chand’s versatility with the ball is one of the key factors that make him a complete bowler and a potential match-winner. Despite being relatively young and not the tallest bowler, he compensates for it with a strong, aggressive pace and a wide array of variations that make him unpredictable and challenging to face at any point in the game. First, his ability to swing the ball has already been discussed, and it remains one of his standout skills. But Akash’s variation extends far beyond just swinging the ball. He has developed a well-rounded skill set, including the ability to bowl cutters, yorkers, and short balls—all crucial tools for a bowler to have in different match situations. The Cutter: Akash has mastered the art of bowling cutters, which is a critical variation for any bowler, especially in limited-overs formats. The cutter is an off-speed delivery that deceives the batsman by altering the pace, causing them to misjudge the length and timing of their shot. Akash uses this variation effectively, especially in the middle overs, to keep the batsmen on their toes. His cutters are not just effective on flat wickets, but they can also be used in swing-friendly conditions to further complicate the batsman’s decision-making. The Yorker: Akashs ability to bowl yorkers, particularly in the death overs, adds another lethal dimension to his game. Yorkers are one of the toughest deliveries for a batsman to handle, as they target the base of the stumps and limit the batsman’s ability to score boundaries. Akash has already shown that he can bowl accurate yorkers in pressure situations, making him a valuable asset when the game is on the line. This ability to execute yorkers under pressure gives him a lot of value, especially in the closing stages of a match. The Short Ball: Despite his height, Akash is also adept at using the short ball effectively. Often, shorter deliveries are used to force the batsman into playing shots they aren’t comfortable with, or to disrupt their rhythm. Akash’s short balls are quick and well-directed, forcing batsmen to take evasive action or try to pull or hook, leaving them vulnerable to mistakes. This delivery also gives him the ability to mix up his pace and bounce, keeping the batsman guessing and making it harder for them to settle. Together, these variations make Akash a clutch bowler—someone who can turn the game at critical moments. Whether it’s breaking a partnership with a well-placed yorker, stifling the batsmen with a well-executed cutter, or setting up a batsman with a short ball before getting them out, Akash can execute his skills with both the new and old ball. His ability to adapt to the conditions, read the game, and execute different deliveries at the right time makes him an all-round threat at any stage of the match, whether at the start, the middle, or the death overs. This kind of adaptability and variety is what makes Akash a complete and unpredictable bowler, capable of turning a game in Nepals favor, whether it’s in the powerplay, middle overs, or during the final moments of a tight match. His skills make him not only an asset with the new ball but also a crucial bowler in the latter stages of the game when the pressure is high, making him truly special and versatile in all situations. 3) Age : Age plays a crucial role in Akash Chand’s journey as a young cricket player, making him both special and a threat on the field. At just 19, he is in the prime of his physical development, with the agility, speed, and endurance that come with youth. This gives him a significant advantage over older players, as he can cover more ground, react faster, and maintain peak performance for longer periods during matches What makes Akash particularly special is his ability to learn and adapt quickly. At 19, his mind is still sharp, and he can absorb coaching, technical advice, and feedback more efficiently than older players who may be set in their ways. His potential for improvement is vast, and as he matures, his skill set could evolve, making him even more dangerous as a player. 4) Potential Match Winner: Akash Chand has all the ingredients to be a potential match-winner for Nepal in the coming years. His performance in the 2024 U-19 World Cup, where he took 5 wickets for just 34 runs against a strong Afghanistan side, showcased his ability to perform under pressure. That match, where he was named Man of the Match, highlighted his skill, composure, and ability to deliver when his team needed him the most. But its not just one performance that makes him stand out; its the consistency and variety he brings to his bowling that positions him as a future match-winner for Nepal. Firstly, his ability with the new ball sets him apart. Akash’s skill in swinging the ball makes him an immediate threat right from the start of the innings. This ability can break partnerships early and create pressure on opposition batters, which is crucial for any team looking to control the game from the outset. In fact, as the senior pacers like Karan KC age, Akashs proficiency with the new ball ensures that Nepal won’t lose out on this crucial aspect of the game.Secondly, his wide range of variations gives him the versatility needed to be a match-winner in all conditions. His pace, coupled with his cutters, yorkers, and ability to bowl a strong short ball, makes him unpredictable and hard to read for opposing batsmen. Whether it’s at the start or in the death overs, his arsenal allows him to be equally effective with both the new and old ball. This adaptability ensures that Akash can rise to the occasion in different match situations, whether it’s setting a game up early or closing it out in the final overs. Finally, the age factor plays a massive role. At just 19, Akash has the physical endurance and sharpness to dominate for years to come. His ability to quickly learn and adapt, coupled with his hunger for success, makes him a formidable player who can constantly evolve. The maturity and potential for improvement he holds at this stage of his career means he can become even more dangerous as his skills develop and his understanding of the game deepens. With his talent, skills, and age on his side, Akash Chand is poised to be a game-changer for Nepal. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments and turn the tide of a match makes him a potential match-winner for the team in the years ahead. Akash Chand is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from Nepal’s cricketing ranks. With his exceptional ability to swing the ball, versatility in delivering cutters, yorkers, and short balls, and his maturity beyond his years, he has already proven himself at the U-19 and A-team levels. While Akash has already earned a cap for the National Team, he has yet to make his way into the regular squad, despite his consistent performances. As many senior players’ form begins to dip, Akash should be given a fair chance to showcase his talent at the highest level. The upcoming edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) will be a crucial platform for Akash to further demonstrate his skills. As part of the Pokhara team, he will have the opportunity to make a significant impact in one of the most important domestic tournaments in Nepal. If he continues to perform at the level he has shown so far, the NPL could be the perfect springboard for him to solidify his place in the National Team. In conclusion, Akash Chand’s skill set, combined with his youth and potential, makes him a player to watch in the coming years. His time to shine is now, and with the right opportunities, he could become one of Nepal’s key players in the international circuit.