Nahid Rana unfazed by ‘fastest bowler’ tag

Nahid Rana, Bangladesh's pace sensation, is not bothered by the 'fastest bowler' tag. Since his international debut, Rana has been in the limelight for being the first Bangladeshi bowler to bowl at 150 kmph. He is expected to play a key role in Bangladesh's pace attack in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Rana understands that accuracy is crucial, stating, "Relying only on pace might work for one or two matches, but not for the remaining eight out of ten… line and length are crucial." He believes the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was a valuable preparatory ground for the Champions Trophy, particularly since the tournament was played on batting-friendly surfaces.

When it comes to his practice sessions, Rana credits Mickey Arthur for helping him refine his approach. "He always says one thing: bowl in the nets the same way you will in a match, and I try to execute that."

Rana acknowledges that his role changes in ODIs, where he must adapt to different game situations. He has also made significant lifestyle changes since making his national debut, with discipline playing a much bigger role in his routine now.

"Eating habits, discipline, sleep, everything was one way before. Now, before eating something, I have to think twice about what I should eat… I had to give up fried food, pizza, onion fritters, all of that. Now I eat fruits, protein, and such."

Rana has worked hard on his length, stating, "In the beginning, my length wasn't quite right… I worked hard on it, put in a lot of effort, and worked with every coach I trained under… That has helped me a lot, and I've seen the results."