'We Have to Protect Our Trump Card' – Simmons Backs Nahid Rana as Bangladesh’s Key Weapon

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons believes young Nahid Rana should be managed carefully, as he is the key trump card in Bangladesh’s pace attack. He said Rana’s workload should be monitored wisely because the national team needs him fit to perform in all international matches.

"Sometimes we will have to look at his loads as they do in modern day, but as far as I'm concerned, he is one of our trump cards and we've got to protect him, but also we've got to make sure that he delivers for us every time. It is up to us to try and look after him and make sure that when he goes out there he gives everything that we want him to give for Bangladesh." said Bangladesh head coach, Phil Simmons.

Currently, Nahid Rana is representing Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026 season. He entered the league on the back of a strong home series against Pakistan, where his fiery spells caught everyone’s attention.

Considering the performances of Nahid Rana and other pacers, Bangladesh head coach wants the team to play on more pace-friendly wickets in the upcoming matches. He said the efforts are going on to produce such pitches regularly, as it will allow Bangladesh to become more competitive at home.

"We are trying to get it (to a similar type of pitch) because what I'm finding is that when you play on better wickets, your team improves quicker. I am trying to get that kind of wicket as much as possible," said Phil Simmons while talking to the reporters.

Simmons then talked about Towhid Hridoy whose recent performances in international matches have been very disappointing. He said the young batter is trying hard to regain the form, as he is regularly working hard in the nets.

"I think Hridoy has been working extremely hard. I think the way he's batting now, he's showing there's more responsibility on his shoulders. He is accepting that responsibility. I'm sure what he did in BCL, he's going to transform into international cricket soon enough.” said Phil Simmons.

"We have room to improve in every aspect of our game, especially the batting side. That last ten overs, we've been doing well. Against Pakistan, the last 10 overs we scored what, 80 runs in the last game? So we're improving in that area." added Phil Simmons.