'We’ll see if he needs a break' : Arthur on Nahid Rana's workload
The 24-year-old pacer has been a standout performer for the team but has played six consecutive matches in just 11 days, raising questions about the potential strain on his fitness.
Mickey Arthur, head coach of Rangpur Riders, has shared his thoughts on managing Nahid Rana's workload during the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.
The 24-year-old pacer has been a standout performer for the team but has played six consecutive matches in just 11 days, raising questions about the potential strain on his fitness.
Arthur acknowledged the challenges of workload management, particularly for a young bowler like Nahid, who has emerged as one of Bangladesh cricket's brightest prospects.
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Despite discussions around resting him, Arthur remains cautious about disrupting the team's balance.
"We'll see what happens," Arthur said. "Resting players and managing their workload is always tricky. Nahid is only 24, and he's already exceptional. If we find an opportunity to rest him, we will, but it's difficult to decide right now."
In 2024, Nahid Rana cemented his place as a vital figure in Bangladesh cricket. His remarkable performances have continued in the current BPL, where he has taken nine wickets in six matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker so far.
His contributions have also been key to Rangpur Riders' unbeaten start, with the team winning all six matches to top the points table.
Despite his impressive form, concerns have emerged about his fitness due to the high frequency of matches. Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan recently emphasised that the franchise is taking every precaution to monitor Nahid's condition.
Nahid himself confirmed that both Rangpur Riders and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have provided guidelines to manage his workload.
Arthur, however, is keen to strike a balance between giving Nahid rest and maintaining the team's momentum.
"We've built a strong team with a clear structure," he explained. "In the middle overs, we have two fast bowlers performing consistently, and our spinners are doing a great job. Maintaining this balance is crucial. Whether we rest Nahid or not will depend on how he's feeling and whether there are signs of fatigue. We'll reassess after the next round."
Arthur also spoke about the team's approach to the tournament, dismissing any notion of easing off despite their dominant start.
"I believe the quality of this league is excellent," he said. "Particularly in these conditions, it's a significant achievement to perform consistently. Every team has match-winning players, so every match becomes crucial."
Rangpur Riders still have three key matches remaining in Dhaka, where the increasing dew factor poses an added challenge. However, Arthur remains confident in his squad's ability to adapt.
"Our players have shown they can adjust to the conditions and do what's necessary to succeed," Arthur concluded. "It's important to keep up this momentum as we move forward in the tournament."
