Ishan Pandey Says Ups and Downs Are Normal in Cricket, Praises DRS in NPL

Far-Western Royals batter Ishan Pandey has said that victories and defeats are part of cricket, stressing the importance of patience, partnerships and adapting to match situations in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

Speaking during a post-match reaction following Wednesday's match against Pokhara Avengers, Pandey reflected on the challenges of T20 cricket and explained how small mistakes and the inability to build partnerships can influence match results.

He also welcomed the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the NPL, describing it as an important development for Nepali cricket.

Ishan Pandey Highlights the Importance of Partnerships

Pandey said that cricket often produces unexpected results, particularly in the closing stages of a match. Even when a team performs well, the final outcome does not always reflect its expectations.

Reflecting on the previous game, he explained that Far-Western Royals had experimented with their batting order by promoting Arif Sheikh to a higher position. However, the strategy did not produce the desired result because the team struggled to establish a solid partnership.

According to Pandey, the inability to build partnerships was one of the main reasons the team could not achieve its target in that match.

He emphasised that partnerships remain crucial in T20 cricket, where maintaining momentum while avoiding unnecessary risks can make a significant difference.

Pandey Welcomes DRS as a Major Step for Nepali Cricket

Pandey also praised the introduction of the Decision Review System in the Nepal Premier League, calling it a significant step forward for cricket in Nepal.

He explained that on-field decisions can sometimes go against a team's expectations, and players may feel disappointed when a decision appears unfavourable. DRS provides an opportunity to review such decisions and improve the accuracy of umpiring outcomes.

Referring to the match, Pandey noted that three decisions had reportedly been overturned within the first three overs, highlighting the potential impact of the technology.

He added that even a single delivery can be important in cricket, particularly for batters facing early pressure.

Pandey believes that the availability of DRS can help teams by allowing crucial decisions to be reviewed and corrected when necessary.

Anil Kharel's Arrival Strengthens Far-Western Royals

Pandey also discussed the impact of left-arm spinner Anil Kharel's arrival in the Far-Western Royals squad.

He said Kharel's experience playing competitive cricket in Australia had added strength to the team and helped boost confidence among the players.

According to Pandey, the arrival of new players and their performances can improve a team's overall balance and provide additional options throughout the tournament.

Kharel's contribution with the ball is particularly valuable as Far-Western Royals look to maintain consistency during the NPL season.

Patience and Match Awareness Are Key to T20 Success

Discussing batting strategy, Pandey explained that teams do not always need to score quickly from the beginning of an innings.

He said batters can start cautiously, settle at the crease and build partnerships before increasing the scoring rate. Taking unnecessary risks under pressure can lead to wickets and make a chase more difficult.

Pandey stressed that players should assess the match situation, consider the number of runs and balls remaining, and choose their shots accordingly.

He believes that disciplined batting and sensible decision-making can help teams recover from difficult situations and improve their chances of securing victories.

Ishan Pandey's comments highlight the importance of patience, teamwork and adaptability in the Nepal Premier League. His support for DRS also reflects the growing role of technology in improving decision-making in Nepali cricket.

As the tournament progresses, Far-Western Royals will look to build stronger partnerships, make effective use of their bowling resources and deliver consistent performances.

Pandey's message remains clear: setbacks are part of cricket, but learning from mistakes and responding calmly to match situations can help teams achieve better results.