Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has credited former Pakistan pace coach Shaun Tait for playing a key role in his development, helping the Australian develop without complicating his game.
Tait, who has spent a year as pace coach with Pakistan’s national team from February 2022, had earlier insisted that Rana keep things simple during the ODI series against New Zealand.
The young fast bowler, who has now bagged man-of-the-series honors for the series against Pakistan and New Zealand, said he fully agreed with that approach.
“He (Tide) thinks like me and he makes me think my way,” Rana said after receiving the Man of the Series award against New Zealand on Thursday.
“He sees how I want to be successful and he tries to nurture that, which is something I really like,” he added.
“My mentality and his mentality are very similar, and when we work together in practice, it becomes easier when we think the same way.”
The 23-year-old praised veteran Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, calling it a “dream” to share the dressing room with someone he grew up watching.
“Actually, playing with him (Mustaphizur) is somewhat close to the word dream,” said Rana, who was seen in deep discussion with the left-arm pacer during the third ODI against New Zealand.
“When I was a kid, fast bowlers meant Mustafizur Bhai and Taskin Bhai. I used to watch them a lot. Back then, I never imagined that I would be playing international cricket alongside them.”
“Honestly, it makes me feel very positive and I always try to learn something from Fizz Boy. He is always willing to help me and everyone. Whenever I need advice on the field, I go to him and he guides me on what to do and what to avoid,” he added.
Rana has retired from the three-match T20I series to manage his workload and has not been released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the Pakistan Super League alongside Mustafizur Rahman.
The board is focused on ensuring his proper preparation for the two-match Test series against Pakistan scheduled for May.