Shanto Confident in Rana to Challenge India
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is optimistic that Nahid Rana and the pace attack will be ready to take on India in their opening match of the Champions Trophy on Thursday.
Speaking to the media in Dubai on Wednesday, Shanto addressed growing interest—both from Bangladeshi and international reporters—about Rana’s rise and Bangladesh’s evolving fast-bowling unit.
Shanto acknowledged Bangladesh’s past reliance on spin but highlighted the team’s recent strides in pace bowling.
“We used to struggle against pace, but over the last couple of years, we’ve developed a strong group of fast bowlers. Nahid Rana and Taskin (Ahmed) have been bowling really well, which is a big boost for the team,” he said, adding that their spin attack remains a strong complement to the pacers.
Bangladesh’s 15-member squad includes five pacers, with Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed traveling as reserves. However, all eyes are on Rana, who can regularly bowl over 140kph and even touch 150kph. Shanto believes his express pace lifts the entire squad.
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“He’s been bowling really well, and his speed is a big motivation for us. It pushes us to see how we can challenge the opposition,” he said.
Concerns about Rana’s workload were also addressed, with Shanto assuring that the team’s medical staff has managed his fitness well.
“There’s a lot of attention on him, but he’s staying focused and training as usual. If he’s picked tomorrow, I believe he’ll give his best,” Shanto added.
Rana had a packed schedule in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), but Shanto confirmed that the physios and trainers have kept him fresh.
“He played quite a few consecutive matches in the BPL, but he’s been looked after well. If he gets selected, he’ll be ready,” he concluded.
