Asia Cup 2023: It’s a big opportunity for us to play against India – Rohit Paudel

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel feels it is a big opportunity for them to play against the potent Indian team in the ongoing Asia Cup. Nepal are playing in the Asia Cup for the first time and they will take on India for the first time in ODIs.

The Rohit Paudel-led team was thrashed by Pakistan by a huge margin of 238 runs in their opening match of the ongoing continental tournament and they will have their work cut out against India’s juggernaut.

Nepal conceded a gargantuan total of 342 runs against Pakistan whereas they could only manage 104 runs with the bat. Thus, Nepal will have to come up with a better show against the Rohit Sharma-led team.

“We all are very excited, especially playing against India. We didn’t get such opportunities often. So, it’s a big opportunity for all of us to represent our country on the biggest stage,” said Paudel on eve of the match.

Meanwhile, the weather could once again play killjoy in Pallekele as there is a 70% chance of rain. Paudel is hopeful that rain will not spoil the game and that they will be able to make the most of the opportunity to play against a big team.

“Weather is not in our control. But we are hoping that we get an opportunity to play against India to showcase our talent on a bigger stage. Otherwise, we get to play only smaller teams.

“We never imagined that we would get a chance to play two back-to-back matches against Pakistan and India. We want to make such opportunities count so that the cricketing world can take notice of us,” said Paudel.

Nepal qualified for the Asia Cup 2023 after winning the ACC Premier Cup earlier this year. Paudel is proud of his team’s journey so far and wants to give his best.

“I think about our journey (as a team). I think all the players have been working really hard for the last two, three years. And because of that hard work I think we are here. I think we deserve to be here,” he said.