The way Kushal Bhurtel stands guard exudes a cool defiance. It’s not loud. It’s not a beating of the chest. However, it communicates—clearly, purposefully, and intentionally. Although his 18 off 13 against England at Wankhede may not seem like a game-changing performance, it conveyed a message that many people overlooked. particularly in a game where the tone may have easily been set by terror.
That knock wasn’t shocking to those who have watched Bhurtel since his sensational 2021 T20I debut. It was incredibly successful because of the opposition it represented, not because of the numbers. How can someone find the balance to flick for six while facing Jofra Archer and the blazing pace? It requires more than timing. It requires courage.
Bhurtel has subtly developed a very distinct style by relying on his innate talent: no pretense, no panic. Pure, well-thought-out aggression. Despite being quick, he doesn’t hit his bat carelessly. Rather, it reflects his broader strategy, which is decisive but never desperate.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kushal Bhurtel |
| Date of Birth | 22 January 1997 |
| Age | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Butwal, Nepal |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm leg break |
| International Debut | April 17, 2021 (Nepal vs Netherlands) |
| Career Highlight | Scored 1807 runs in T20Is with a strike rate of 127.3 (as of Feb 2026) |
| Notable Moment | Hit Jofra Archer for 3 boundaries in a single over at Wankhede Stadium |
| Source | https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/kushal-bhurtel-1058514 |
That disposition has been especially helpful for Nepal. Players like Bhurtel have become significant bridges as the squad has evolved in recent years from Associate aspirants to formidable competitors on cricket’s greatest stages. They make the connection between ambition and action. They transform passion into order.
Bhurtel was not always considered Nepal’s first-choice opener, but it’s easy to forget that. He filled a void with astonishing regularity, which contributed to his elevation rather than a promotion. It was more than simply good form for him to score three half-centuries in his first four Twenty20 Internationals; it was a statement. The kind that reshapes planning boards and resets expectations.
He has developed into Nepal’s most adaptable asset over time, handling swing or spin, changing positions, and adjusting formats. Bhurtel appears to favor repeatability, whereas some players base their careers on a few standout innings. He is very inventive because his consistency is what makes him unpredictable.
His knock against England during Nepal’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign was notable for context rather than force. Bhurtel reacted with a technically sound and emotionally grounded innings against a team built on Premier League resources and bowlers who had been tested. He had no interest in making headlines. Belief was being grounded by him.
Bhurtel’s growth trajectory has been significantly enhanced by utilizing all of the domestic match experience and applying lessons learned from crowded arenas to stadiums with low attendance. He doesn’t go out in the hopes of getting lucky. He leaves ready for ones that have been earned.
Watching Bhurtel bat has a particularly reassuring quality. It might be the compactness. Maybe it’s the quiet confidence with which he rushes forward for a full one or leaves a decent ball. Or perhaps what appeals to you is the humility—the lack of showmanship. In any case, his presence is incredibly reassuring.
He has assisted the squad in repairing beginnings that seldom ever falter under duress by forming strategic alliances within the batting order. His swivel-pulled six against Sam Curran, which was positioned precisely behind square, wasn’t just a pretty shot. It was quite effective. The result of instinct and preparation.
A player like Bhurtel, who balances risk and responsibility, is very valuable for a country that is still building its cricket infrastructure. Scoreboards are just one aspect of his performances. They serve as a reminder of what may happen when skill and purpose are combined.
Even his brief appearance as Wankhede felt oddly personal. With each run, a group of adolescents watching from a Thamel café, their faces illuminated by a projector, burst into laughter. “Jofra ko against six maara!” a child said, seemingly confirming it to himself. Something larger was caught in that moment: the transition from being observed to being watched.
The team’s ability to chase has been much more confident since Bhurtel joined Nepal’s top setup. He is a tenacious leader who shapes results by adhering to his approach, rather than being a noisy one. Part of the reason Nepal aspires to be a cricketing powerhouse is because players like him serve as a reminder to supporters that having dreams is legitimate and well-earned.
Through consistent practice, mental clarity, and athleticism, Bhurtel has established himself as one of Nepal’s most reliable cricket players. Even if he doesn’t always take center stage, his contributions are incredibly resilient.
