Nahid Rana made headlines in the cricketing world with his sheer pace during Bangladesh's historic 2-0 Test series win over Pakistan, consistently bowling over 150 km/h and achieving his career-best figures in the second Test. Despite the recent success of Bangladesh's pace attack across various formats, the underlying factors contributing to the rise of these talented fast bowlers have not been extensively discussed.
The victory in the Test series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi would not have been possible without the exceptional performances of pacers like Hasan Mahmud, Nahid, Shoriful Islam, and Taskin Ahmed, who outshone Pakistan's renowned fast bowlers.
Encouragingly for fans and presenting a pleasant challenge for the team management, these four pacers are not the only ones in Bangladesh's pace arsenal. Khaled Ahmed, who also featured in the Pakistan series, Ebadot Hossain, currently recovering from an ACL injury, and white-ball specialists Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman are all part of the current pace battery.
While these bowlers have thrived under the guidance of foreign coaches in the national team, their journey began with local coaches, to whom they still turn for advice. In a recent interview, we explored the role of one such local coach, Alamgir Kabir, and his proteges, Shoriful and especially Nahid, who emerged as a standout performer in the Pakistan series.
Reflecting on the achievements of his students, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam, during Bangladesh's first Test series win over Pakistan, Alamgir expressed immense pride and satisfaction. He likened their success to the joy a guardian feels when their children excel, and he hopes they will continue to serve Bangladesh cricket for many years while remaining injury-free.
Discussing Nahid's development, Alamgir recalled discovering him at Clemon Rajshahi Cricket Academy, where Nahid had enrolled independently. Initially placed in a different group, Nahid's raw pace with a taped-tennis ball during practice matches caught Alamgir's attention.
Impressed by his speed, Alamgir quickly promoted him to a higher group. Nahid's bowling action and run-up were unconventional at the time, requiring significant refinement. Over the next two years, Alamgir worked closely with Nahid, focusing on his technique and showing him various bowling videos to prepare him for senior-level cricket.
Alamgir Kabir, a former Bangladesh seamer who played three Tests for the national team, currently serves as a district coach in Chapainawabganj under BCB Game Development. He also works at BKSP and previously coached at Clemon Cricket Academy in Rajshahi.
