Kushal Bhurtel

Biography

Kushal Bhurtel, born on January 22, 1997, in Butwal, Rupandehi, Nepal, has rapidly emerged as a key player for the Nepalese national cricket team. A right-handed opening batsman and occasional right-arm leg-break bowler, Bhurtel is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to anchor innings.   

Bhurtel's journey in cricket saw him represent Nepal at the Under-19 level, including the 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He made his List A debut for Nepal against India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup on November 14, 2019, at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.   

His international career began with his T20 International debut against the Netherlands on April 17, 2021, in Kirtipur. In a memorable debut, he scored 62 runs and was named the Man of the Match. Bhurtel went on to achieve a unique record by becoming the first cricketer to score three consecutive half-centuries from his T20I debut. He was also named the Player of the Series in the 2020-21 Nepal Tri-Nation Series, having scored 278 runs in five matches with an average of 69.50.   

Bhurtel's One Day International (ODI) debut came on September 7, 2021, against Papua New Guinea in Al Amerat.   

Key Career Highlights:

T20I Debut: April 17, 2021, vs Netherlands in Kirtipur.   

ODI Debut: September 7, 2021, vs Papua New Guinea in Al Amerat.   

First cricketer to score three consecutive half-centuries from his T20I debut.   

Player of the Series in the 2020-21 Nepal Tri-Nation Series.

Scored his maiden T20I century against the Philippines in February 2022.   

As of May 10, 2025, Kushal Bhurtel has played 57 ODIs, scoring 1285 runs with one century and eight half-centuries. In 57 T20Is, he has scored 1420 runs, including one century and ten half-centuries. He has also taken 16 wickets in ODIs and 22 wickets in T20Is with his leg-break bowling.

Bhurtel has also participated in various domestic T20 leagues, representing teams like Lalitpur Patriots, Panchakanya Tej, Biratnagar Kings, and Pokhara Avengers. He has also played for Nepal Police Club.   

Known for his aggressive approach at the top of the order, Kushal Bhurtel has become an integral part of the Nepalese cricket team, and his performances continue to generate excitement among fans.