Exclusive: Bangladesh’s Pace Sensation Nahid Rana Set to Rattle Opponents in Champions Trophy

Nahid Rana is the talk of the town in Bangladesh. The young fast bowler has taken the cricketing world by storm, shattering records and expectations with his raw pace. During Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 Test series triumph over Pakistan, Rana became the first Bangladeshi bowler to clock over 150 kmph, leaving batters stunned and fans in awe.

Now, as Bangladesh prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, all eyes are on the fiery right-arm pacer. With his sheer speed and aggressive intent, he is expected to pose a serious threat to opponents. But despite the growing hype, Rana remains unfazed, choosing to focus on his overall performance rather than just the speedometer.

Not Focused on the 150 Kmph Tag

During a conversation with SportsBoom.com, the reserved yet determined pacer emphasised that he is not overly concerned about the 150 Kmph milestone.

"I'm not thinking about the tag (150 km). My focus is on making the most of my opportunities and contributing to my country," Rana said.

"For the Champions Trophy, my goal remains the same—I’ll give my best for the team. If I can contribute to my country, nothing is bigger than that," he added.

Najmul Hossain's Influence 

Rana credits Bangladesh’s Test and ODI captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, for playing a crucial role in his growth as a cricketer. The two have shared a strong bond since Rana’s first-class debut in 2021 for Rajshahi Division, the team Najmul represents in the National Cricket League.

"Playing under Najmul bhai helps me a lot. He has been backing me since my early days. Having a captain who encourages you to bowl fast without worrying about getting hit really boosts my confidence," Rana explained.

"It’s great that he gives freedom to the pace bowlers. That kind of support makes a huge difference.”

Champions Trophy Preparation 

Rana is satisfied with his Champions Trophy preparation, having recently played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)—the country’s top franchise-based T20 tournament. He believes bowling on good wickets in the BPL has been a valuable learning experience.

"My preparation is going well. Rangpur Riders picked me for a reason, and I’m happy to have delivered for them. If I can continue performing, it will only boost my confidence.”

He stressed the importance of bowling on quality wickets, which help assess a bowler’s maturity and real strength.

"If you bowl on a good wicket, you understand how skilled you are. On a bad wicket, many bowlers can perform well, but excelling on a good wicket is a true test. You need discipline—if the ball is even slightly off, you get hit. But when you execute good deliveries, you get wickets.”

Alamgir Kabir's Guidance 

Rana attributes much of his technical growth to his childhood mentor, Alamgir Kabir, a former Bangladesh cricketer who guided him from a young age at Clemon’s Cricket Academy.

"At the beginning, my length wasn’t quite right. I worked hard on it and trained under different coaches. But whenever I had free time, I went to Rajshahi to work with Alamgir sir instead of going home. That dedication has helped me a lot, and I’m seeing the results now.”

Despite his rapid rise, Rana understands that international cricket presents new challenges at every step.

"Honestly, if there’s no challenge, it’s not fun. Every new place brings new challenges, and I try to embrace them. I'm constantly working on my weaknesses and will continue to improve," he concluded.

With his sheer pace, growing maturity, and strong mentorship, Nahid Rana is shaping up to be a key weapon for Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. While fans are excited about his ability to hit 150 kmph, Rana remains grounded and focused on perfecting his craft and making a lasting impact on Bangladesh cricket.