Regmi entered the Nepalese cricketing arena as a left-arm fast bowler with a reputation for swinging the ball both ways. However, he suffered a motorbike accident, which significantly affected his career. The accident left Regmi with a broken finger and caused him to change his bowling action, shifting from fast bowling to finger spin.[3]
Early life and career
Born in Bhairahawa in 1986, Regmi first represented Nepal at Under-17 level, playing in the ICC Under-17 Asia Cup in Pakistan in July 2000.[4] In his second match he won the man of the match award for taking 3 important wickets against Bahrain.[5] He also represented Nepal in the ACC Under-17 Asia Cup the following year in Bangladesh.[6]
In 2002, he played his first Under-19 World Cup, the 2002 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand but could not do much there as he did not get enough games to play.[7] Nepal finished the tournament as runners-up in the plate competition,[8] but Regmi only played one match, against Scotland.[7] Making his Under-19 youth ODI debut in the match, he didn't bat or bowl during the 48 run win.[9] The following year he played for Nepal Under-19s in one match against their Indian counterparts in Kirtipur, where he bowled future Indian player Suresh Raina.[10]
Selectors did not lose their faith in him and he again featured for Nepal in the 2006 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka.[7] He took 12 wickets and made 141 runs with the bat. His 3 wickets helped win the plate-semifinal against South Africa[11] by 2 runs. In the plate final against New Zealand he scored 66 runs and took 3 wickets and won Man of the match award.[12]
He took 8 wickets in the 2015 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier at an average of 13.75 and an economy rate of 6.40,[33] including a four-wicket haul against Hong Kong,[34] which is the best bowling figures of a Nepalese bowler in the T20I format.[35] In the final group stage match against Canada, he took bowling figures of 3/34 to restrict the opponent to 195 runs. The match ended in a last ball victory for Nepal and was qualified to enter 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier.[36]
In June 2021, he was selected to take part in the Minor League Cricket tournament in the United States following the players' draft.[45]
Playing style
Regmi had to change his bowling style due to his broken finger, switching from left-arm fast to slow left-arm orthodox. However, he managed to adapt to the situation and since became an effective wicket-taking option for Nepal. He was inspired by Daniel Vettori and Ashley Giles, and tried to imitate them, watching several highlights to try and learn how to get a batsman out as a spinner. His ability to take the team out of a crisis by taking crucial wickets and checking the flow of runs led to him being nicknamed "Crisis Man" by fans and teammates. He is also known for his ability as a useful partnership breaker. However, he is sometimes criticized for being poor in flat pitches.
He is also a useful lower order batsman, capable of hitting big shots.[46]
