“I knew he would play for Bangladesh” – Ashraful shares untold stories about Nahid Rana’s rise

Mohammad Ashraful, a revered figure in Bangladesh cricket, having served as both a former captain and current batting coach, has offered a rare glimpse into the formative years and remarkable character of the nation’s burgeoning fast-bowling talent, Nahid Rana. Ashraful’s insights reveal a profound conviction, born from an initial encounter, that Rana was destined for the highest echelons of the sport. His early assessment, delivered with an unwavering belief, was a testament to the raw talent and exceptional temperament he observed in the young pacer.

The Revelation: A First Encounter with Raw Pace

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ashraful vividly recalled the moment he first witnessed Nahid Rana in action. The setting was Cox’s Bazar, during Rana’s domestic debut match against Barishal. Ashraful, opening the batting, found himself directly facing the then-unknown quantity. “The first time I saw Nahid Rana was in Cox’s Bazar during his debut match against Barishal. I was opening the batting and faced him that day,” Ashraful recounted. The impression was immediate and profound. Rana’s pace, even in those nascent stages of his career, was distinctly superior to his peers.

Following the match, a chance interaction at their shared hotel provided a deeper insight into Rana’s background. Ashraful, intrigued by the young bowler’s talent, invited him to his room for a conversation. It was during this discussion that a surprising fact came to light. “During our conversation, I learned that he wasn’t even included in the preliminary Under-19 squad of 45 players. Honestly, I was surprised to hear that,” Ashraful admitted. This revelation only solidified Ashraful’s initial assessment of Rana’s exceptional ability, making his exclusion from the junior ranks even more perplexing.

An Unrivaled Speed: Ashraful’s Expert Assessment

Ashraful’s experience as an international cricketer provided him with a unique benchmark for evaluating pace. He confidently asserted that Nahid’s speed was unparalleled at that time. “After facing him, I felt he was the fastest bowler in Bangladesh at that moment,” Ashraful declared. He acknowledged the presence of other promising quick bowlers, including Hasan Mahmud, but maintained that Rana’s raw velocity stood out distinctly. This immediate recognition of superior pace from a seasoned professional underscored the extraordinary potential Nahid Rana possessed.

So convinced was Ashraful of Rana’s talent that he immediately took action. He contacted an Under-19 selector, a clear indication of his belief that Rana was being overlooked. “I called Under-19 selector Shipon Bhai and told him that I had just seen an incredibly fast bowler,” Ashraful explained. The selector’s response, however, added another layer of intrigue. “He told me there were two or three bowlers in the squad who were even quicker than Nahid. That surprised me. If there were bowlers faster than him, then that was wonderful news for Bangladesh cricket,” Ashraful reflected, highlighting the depth of fast-bowling talent potentially emerging for the nation.

Discipline Beyond His Years: A Trait of Champions

Drawing upon his extensive 13-year career in international cricket, which included captaining Bangladesh, Ashraful saw in Nahid Rana the hallmarks of a future national player. “From my experience, I felt he would reach the national team very quickly. I told him to stay disciplined and always take care of himself,” Ashraful stated, emphasizing the importance of consistency and self-preservation in a demanding sport.

Over the last several months, Ashraful has had the opportunity to work closely with Nahid within the national team setup. This proximity allowed him to observe Rana’s character, which has proven to be as impressive as his bowling prowess. “I’ve been with the national team for the last six or seven months. At such a young age, it’s rare to see someone so disciplined,” Ashraful remarked. He drew a parallel to his own early entry into the national team, acknowledging the unique challenges young players face in maintaining focus and humility amidst rising fame.

A notable aspect of Rana’s character, according to Ashraful, is his unwavering humility and grounded nature. “Usually when someone becomes a star, their behavior changes. But in the last seven months, I’ve seen Nahid wake up early every day for Fajr prayers. He performs all five daily prayers regularly.” This dedication to his faith and personal discipline, even as his star ascends, speaks volumes about the young man’s core values.

Commitment to Fitness and Overcoming Adversity

Ashraful further illustrated Rana’s exceptional commitment to his craft with a compelling anecdote regarding fitness. “After playing in a PSL final, he returned to the hotel, dropped off his bags, and then went straight to the swimming pool at night. He swam for about half an hour. Seeing that level of dedication to fitness really impressed me.” This single incident encapsulates Rana’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his understanding of the physical demands of professional cricket. Such self-motivation is a rare quality, particularly in young athletes who might otherwise be tempted by rest after a high-profile match. Ashraful reiterated his admiration, stating, “Alhamdulillah, despite all the success he has achieved, he remains humble and grounded.”

Rana’s journey has not been without its obstacles. Ashraful revealed that the pacer had faced significant challenges early in his career. “Later, I learned that he had suffered an injury, possibly a fracture in his leg,” he explained. However, it was Rana’s response to this setback that truly highlighted his resilience. “But he completed his rehabilitation seriously and worked hard to return. That determination to prove himself was always there.” This ability to overcome adversity, to channel disappointment into a renewed drive, is a defining characteristic of top athletes.

Ashraful reflected on his own past, recalling a moment of despair when he considered abandoning cricket after missing out on an Under-13 team selection. He noted that such disappointments often forge stronger individuals, and he perceived a similar resolute mindset within Nahid Rana. “Maybe Nahid had that same determination inside him. From an early stage, he started taking care of himself and working hard. Now it’s wonderful to see him performing so well for Bangladesh in multiple formats.”

Consistent Performance and a Bright Future

The relationship between Ashraful and Rana extended to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where they played together for Rangpur Riders. “Over the last two BPL seasons with Rangpur Riders, I’ve seen how serious Nahid is about his cricket. He is extremely dedicated and continues to perform consistently in every format,” Ashraful confirmed. This consistent performance across different formats, coupled with his innate talent and exemplary discipline, paints a clear picture of a cricketer poised for a long and successful international career.

Nahid Rana’s ascent is a testament to his raw talent, but more significantly, to his unwavering discipline, dedication, and humble approach to the game. Ashraful’s early prediction, “I knew he would play for Bangladesh,” has indeed materialized, and the untold stories he shares offer a valuable perspective on the makings of a true cricketing star.