Dev Khanal, the 20-year-old right-handed batsman and right-arm offbreak bowler listed with Nepal, Nepal U19 and Chitwan Rhinos, begins a fresh chapter with the Chitwan franchise after the NPL mini-auction. WicketNepal reported Chitwan signed Dev Khanal for 15 lakh Nepali rupees as part of their auction business, and Cricbuzz lists him among Chitwan Rhinos’ squad for the Nepal Premier League 2025. In Chitwan’s opening win over Karnali Yaks, Kathmandupost noted Khanal was involved in the field — he caught Priyank Panchal off Ravi Bopara — and was dismissed for 2 as Rhinos chased down 167.
The numbers and recent scores available paint a picture of a young player with international exposure: Cricbuzz records show Dev has featured for Nepal in both ODI and T20 formats (ODI: 14 matches, 329 runs at 27.42; T20: 3 matches, 31 runs at 10.33) and lists recent T20 scores such as 18(18), 2(8) and 11(9). Chitwan have also invested heavily at the auction — WicketNepal reported the Rhinos spent a total of 39 lakh, signing Dev Khanal and Arjun Saud for 15 lakh each — signaling the franchise’s intent to build a strong top order. Kathmandupost’s match report underlines Chitwan’s immediate returns: the Rhinos avenged previous season defeats to Karnali and opened NPL Season 2 with a four-wicket win where experienced signings like Ravi Bopara played a starring role alongside local talent. For Khanal, the combination of international exposure, participation in a high‑spend squad and an appearance in a winning chase creates an early opportunity to translate domestic promise into consistent T20 performances.
Discussion
- Given his ODI and T20 appearances for Nepal (Cricbuzz shows 14 ODIs and 3 T20s), what should be the immediate performance targets for Dev Khanal in NPL Season 2?
- Chitwan spent heavily at the auction (WicketNepal: 39 lakh total, Dev signed for 15 lakh). How much pressure or opportunity does that create for a young player like Khanal?
- After being involved in a key catch and a brief batting cameo in the win over Karnali (Kathmandupost/Cricbuzz), should Chitwan promote Khanal up the order or keep him where he recently batted?
- Do you think Khanal’s recent T20 scores listed on Cricbuzz suggest he is ready for a sustained role in franchise T20 cricket, or does he need more overseas and domestic exposure first?
Keep the discussion factual, respectful, and cricket-focused.