Bangladesh’s rising star, Nahid Rana, is setting his sights on the upcoming Test series against India after his impressive performance against Pakistan. The 21-year-old speedster has emerged as a key figure in Bangladesh’s bowling attack, and he is eager to make an impact in the highly anticipated series.
Rana’s journey to the international stage has been a remarkable one. Hailing from Chapainawabganj, he began his cricket career in 2020 after his brother enrolled him in an academy. Within a short span of time, he made his first-class debut in October 2021 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
In the 2022-23 National Cricket League, Rana and Sumon Khan both took over 30 wickets, a rare feat for fast bowlers in the domestic tournament. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team, and he made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March.
Rana’s Test debut was a memorable one, as he bowled at speeds over 150 kph and made an immediate impact. He continued to impress in Pakistan, especially with early breakthroughs, including the wicket of Babar Azam. In the second innings of the final Test in Rawalpindi, Rana took four wickets for 44 runs, helping Bangladesh secure a historic 2-0 series win.
Reflecting on his performance, Rana said, “Before leaving, I had said that I wanted to achieve something for my country, and it feels great to have delivered on what was expected of me.”
Rana’s success is not only due to his raw pace but also his ability to adapt and learn. He credits various senior players for his development, but he is determined to create his own identity in cricket. “I don’t want to be like anyone else. I want to create my own identity and be known as Nahid Rana of Bangladesh,” he said.
As Bangladesh prepares for the Test series against India, Rana is confident in his team’s abilities. “India are a good team, but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there,” he said.
The first Test in India is scheduled in Chennai, known for its bouncy pitch. Rana is excited about the challenge and believes that his pace will be an asset on such a surface. “Pace is something you can’t always predict — it depends a lot on rhythm. Sometimes, it just clicks, and suddenly you find yourself hitting those speeds,” he said.
Nahid Rana is a rising star in Bangladesh cricket, and his performances against Pakistan have only heightened expectations. As he prepares for the upcoming Test series against India, he is determined to make a lasting impact and help his team achieve success.
