Gulsan Jha was virtually unknown in Nepal cricket circles until a few years ago. Today, his name echoes across stadiums and social media platforms as one of the most exciting young talents in Associate cricket. The teenager from Sarlahi, Malangwa has accomplished what most cricketers only dream of—making an international debut at 15 and establishing himself as a genuine all-rounder capable of winning matches with both bat and ball.

When Gulsan Jha made his ODI debut against the United States in September 2021, he was just 15 years and 212 days old, becoming the third youngest player to ever debut in One Day International cricket. This achievement alone would have been remarkable, but what makes Gulsan truly special is his unique skill set and consistent performances that have followed.

The Rare Combination: Left-Hand Bat, Right-Arm Pace

What sets Gulsan Jha apart from other young cricketers is his exceptional combination of skills. He bats left-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace, a relatively rare trait that makes him unpredictable and valuable to any team composition. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, he generates surprising pace and bounce that has earned him comparisons with some of the game’s finest all-rounders.

His bowling became an instant sensation during the 2020 Mayor’s Cup (Nepal Year 2077), when he represented Nepal Police Club in the final and claimed four crucial wickets. Former Nepal cricketer Sharad Vesawkar famously dubbed him the “Surprise Package,” a nickname that perfectly captured the shock and awe his performances generated.

The Viral Sensation

Social media erupted with videos of Gulsan’s fierce bouncers and accurate pace bowling. Cricket fans couldn’t believe that such a young player possessed the technical skill and mental fortitude to compete at such high levels. His “perfume balls”—bouncers aimed at the batsman’s head—became his signature delivery and sparked widespread discussion across Nepali cricket communities.

From Regional Trials to National Stardom

Born on February 17, 2006, in Sarlahi district’s Malangwa, Gulsan Jha’s cricket journey began in an unlikely place—India. He received his foundational cricket training at the Arunodaya Cricket Academy in Ranchi, India, which helped him develop the solid technical base that would later serve him so well.

The Breakthrough Moment

In 2020 (Nepal Year 2077), Gulsan participated in the Prime Minister Cup selections representing Madhesh Province but didn’t make the cut initially. However, word had spread about this talented young bowler’s abilities. Coach Manoj Katuwal, always on the lookout for fast bowling talent for Nepal Police Club, invited Gulsan for trials.

This was the opportunity that changed everything. Gulsan impressed Coach Katuwal with his raw pace, accuracy, and surprising maturity for his age. Police Club needed a pace bowler, and Gulsan proved he was the answer they’d been searching for.

Rapid Rise Through the Ranks

What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. After playing just two domestic cricket matches, Gulsan received a call-up to the Nepal national team for the ODI series against Papua New Guinea. He went from regional trials to international cricket in less than a year—a meteoric rise that speaks to both his exceptional talent and Nepal’s willingness to invest in young players.

International Cricket Debut and Records

ODI Debut at 15

Gulsan Jha made his ODI debut against the United States on September 17, 2021, in Oman at just 15 years and 212 days of age. The pressure of debuting at such a young age in professional cricket would overwhelm most teenagers, but Gulsan handled it with remarkable composure.

He was also selected for Nepal’s squad in the sixth round of the ICC World Cricket League Division Two, further cementing his place in the national setup despite his tender age.

T20 International Breakthrough

Gulsan made his T20 International debut against the Philippines during the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers. Unlike many debutants who struggle with nerves, he took a wicket in his very first T20I match, immediately proving his worth at the international level.

Historic All-Round Performance

At age 18, Gulsan achieved something truly remarkable—he became the first player in 53 years of ODI cricket history to take a five-wicket haul and score a fifty in the same match before turning 20. He also became the first Nepali player ever to accomplish this rare all-round feat in an ODI match.

This performance showcased what makes Gulsan a genuine “true all-rounder”—the ability to impact matches significantly with both bat and ball.

The Making of a Complete All-Rounder

Bowling Prowess

As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, Gulsan combines pace with accuracy and clever variations. His bouncer has become legendary in Nepal cricket, with batsmen often looking uncomfortable when he runs in to bowl. He has taken numerous wickets across formats, with an economy rate that reflects his ability to control matches.

His bowling style is aggressive yet calculated. He doesn’t just bowl fast; he thinks like a chess player, setting up batsmen and exploiting their weaknesses. This cricket intelligence, rare in someone so young, suggests he studied the game deeply during his time at the Ranchi academy.

Batting Evolution

While initially known primarily for his bowling, Gulsan has evolved into a reliable batsman who can rescue his team from difficult situations. In his ODI career spanning 37 matches, he has scored 718 runs at an average of 30—impressive numbers for someone who bats in the lower middle order.

His left-handed batting adds valuable balance to Nepal’s lineup. More importantly, he has developed a reputation as a finisher—someone who can stay calm under pressure and guide his team to victory when the match hangs in the balance.

Current Status and Teams

As of 2025, at just 19 years old, Gulsan Jha continues to be a vital member of Nepal’s national cricket team across all formats. He represents Nepal Police Club in domestic cricket, the team that gave him his first major opportunity.

His franchise cricket career has also flourished. He has played for multiple teams in various domestic T20 leagues, including recent stints with Farwest United and other franchises, where he continues to showcase his all-round abilities to wider audiences.

What Makes Gulsan Jha Special?

Several factors contribute to Gulsan’s success and potential:

Youth and Longevity

At just 19, Gulsan has potentially 15-20 years of international cricket ahead of him. Nepal cricket can build its future around this talented all-rounder, knowing he’ll be available for major tournaments throughout the 2020s and 2030s.

The All-Round Factor

Nepal has long searched for a genuine all-rounder who can consistently contribute with both bat and ball at the international level. Gulsan appears to be the answer to this quest. His ability to open the bowling, provide crucial breakthroughs, then come in and score vital runs makes him invaluable to team balance.

Mental Strength

Perhaps most impressively, Gulsan displays mental toughness beyond his years. Making an international debut at 15 requires extraordinary mental strength. Handling pressure situations, bouncing back from poor performances, and continuously improving demonstrates maturity that many senior players lack.

Rare Skill Combination

The combination of left-hand batting and right-arm pace bowling is relatively uncommon in world cricket. This gives Gulsan tactical advantages—as a bowler, batsmen face different angles; as a batsman, he provides left-right combinations that disrupt bowling rhythms.

The Road Ahead

Gulsan Jha stands at the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career. If he continues developing at his current rate, he could become one of the finest all-rounders produced by Associate cricket nations.

International Aspirations

Nepal is pushing hard to establish itself as a force in global cricket. For this dream to become reality, the team needs match-winners like Gulsan who can perform consistently against stronger opposition. His performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 will be crucial to Nepal’s ambitions of playing at the highest level.

Learning and Development

At 19, Gulsan still has significant room for growth. Working with experienced coaches, playing in various conditions, and facing quality opposition will only enhance his skills. The foundation is solid; now comes the refinement phase.

Conclusion: Nepal’s Future Superstar

Gulsan Jha represents everything exciting about modern cricket—young talent, aggressive play, and the democratization of opportunities that allows players from smaller nations to shine on international stages.

His journey from unknown teenager to international cricketer in less than a year inspires countless young Nepali cricketers. His story proves that talent, when combined with opportunity and hard work, can overcome any obstacle.

As Nepal cricket continues its upward trajectory, Gulsan Jha will undoubtedly play a starring role. The “Surprise Package” has become an expected match-winner, and that evolution from unknown to indispensable has been thrilling to witness.

For more information about Nepal cricket and current statistics, visit ESPN Cricinfo’s Nepal Cricket Page.