Young pacer Nahid Rana recently played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 Test series win over Pakistan. The right-arm quick consistently clocked 150 kph and finished the series with six wickets to his name, including the figures of 4//44 in the second innings of the final Test at Rawalpindi.
Rana, 21, has now set his eyes on the upcoming away Test series against India. Bangladesh are due to tour India for two Test matches, starting on September 19 in Chennai.
While the Tigers have produced some upsets against India in the white-ball formats, they are yet to beat them in Test cricket.
"Obviously we are well prepared for India series. We have started training. The more we are prepared the better we will be in execution during the matches," Rana said in a video shared by Bangladesh Cricket on 'X'.
"India are a good team but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there," he added.
Nahid Rana has emerged as a new sensation in Bangladesh cricket with his ability to bowl consistently fast spells. He hogged the limelight by crossing the 150 kph mark on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March this year.
During the Pakistan tour, his stocks grew by leaps and bounds as he delivered a match-winning spell in the second Test.
"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," he said.
Asked if he is ready to hit the 152 kph mark again, Rana said, "I will strive to give my best. 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.”
"I never set out to clock 152 kph or push past that. I just focused on executing the team's plan. My friends and folks back in the village are really happy of my achievement," he further remarked.
Nahid Rana's journey in cricket began when his brother enrolled him in an academy in 2020. He made his first-class debut in October 2021 and quickly made a mark, claiming 32 wickets in the following season.
"I don't want to be like anyone else. I want to create my own identity and be known as Nahid Rana of Bangladesh," Rana said.
"I haven't followed any particular bowler. I've watched and learned from everyone -- my seniors and those I grew up watching," he concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)