Nepal's 24-year-old policeman, Dipendra Singh Airee, known as 'The Tiger', aims to leverage his remarkable batting prowess to elevate his country's performance at the T20 World Cup.
Last September, Nepal clinched a historic victory against Mongolia with an exceptional 273-run lead, marking the largest margin by runs in all T20s. Airee's standout contribution to this triumph included achieving the fastest T20 fifty in just nine balls. The emerging talent smashed sixes off the first six deliveries he faced, setting a new record for the quickest half-century in T20 history, surpassing the previous 12-ball record. In another impressive display against Qatar in April, he became only the third player to hit six sixes in a single over in a T20 international.
Besides his batting prowess, Airee has also displayed remarkable fielding skills, excelling in sensational catches and spectacular run-outs. He is determined to make his Himalayan nation proud by delivering outstanding performances in the upcoming tournament.
Expressing his commitment, Airee stated, 'I will do my best to play a role in leading the team to victory. I draw motivation from the unwavering support I receive from everyone. Being referred to as 'Tiger' further fuels my determination, compelling me to strive for excellence and give my all.'
Despite Nepal's lowly 17th position in the ICC rankings as they head to the 20-nation World Cup, Chief Selector Dipendra Chaudhary believes that Airee's exceptional skills could make a significant impact on the team's performance. Chaudhary praised Airee's off-spin bowling, impeccable fitness, strong work ethic, and exemplary team spirit. He expressed his confidence, anticipating that Airee would be recognized as one of Nepal's finest players in history, emphasizing his talent, hard work, and evolution from a medium-paced bowler to an all-rounder.
Reflecting on the World Cup opportunity, Airee expressed his joy, recalling how he watched the previous tournament from Nepal on a giant screen in a market. His emotions overflowed upon their qualification, describing how he was moved to tears.
Humble and unassuming, Airee made his debut in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, where his raw yet exceptional talent was quickly identified. Chaudhary described him as extremely humble, reserved, and morally upright, dedicating most of his time to his craft.
The T20 World Cup, commencing in the United States and the West Indies, will see Nepal's first game on June 4 in Dallas. Despite acknowledging the superior strength of other teams, Chaudhary maintains hope for a good performance and exciting matches.
Amidst their preparations, Nepal faced a hurdle concerning the inclusion of Sandeep Lamichhane in the squad. The former captain and spin bowler had been denied a US visa, creating controversy due to his prior conviction for raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022. His eight-year sentence was overturned on appeal this month.
Nepal's initial two group matches will take place in the United States, followed by two games in the West Indies. Chaudhary emphasized the broader goal of promoting good cricket, welcoming the participation of major nations on their turf or receiving invitations, emphasizing the significance beyond mere wins or losses.
