File image of the Indian cricket team© AFP

The Indian teams over the years have depended a lot on match simulations and Gautam Gambhir’s outfit is no different, selecting net bowlers with specific skill-sets who can help the batters get ready for the Bangladesh series starting here from September 19. One of the pacers called up for the four-day camp here is Punjab’s Gurnoor Brar, who has so far played five first-class matches and he was also with Punjab Kings during the IPL last season. While his first-class record isn’t flattering, what worked for the 24-year-old is his tall 6 feet 4.5 inch frame and the disconcerting bounce that he can generate with more than skiddy pace. It is understood that Gurnoor has been drafted in specifically to get some simulation for the high-arm action of Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana, who had a match-haul of five wickets against Pakistan in a recent Test match at Rawalpindi.

The hallmark of Rana’s bowling is the bounce he generated from length with his 6ft 5 inch frame and generally bowled straight lines in the second Test against Pakistan.

It is understood that with two potent new ball bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in its ranks, India is unlikely to play on rank turners and the Chepauk strip could be one where pace bowlers and spinners both will get equal assistance.

The bounce could be more even and hence the lanky Bangladesh pacer Rana might come into the equation.

India’s new bowling coach Morne Morkel was seen giving some advice on how to bowl to star batters and what kind of specific net sessions they are looking at in the camp.

Mumbai off-spinner Himanshu Singh, whose action is believed to be similar to the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin, is also a part of the nets.

Tamil Nadu slow left-arm bowler S Ajit Ram also sweated it out at the nets.

During the second day at nets, pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal, the duo who might have to sit out if India play three specialist spinners, bowled more than the premier pace duo of Bumrah and Siraj.

The senior batters are now trying to get into the groove after a month-long break.

The Bangladesh team will be arriving in Chennai on Sunday. It is understood that there will be tight security for the visitors, who are coming right after the civil unrest in the country and subsequent ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina.

In fact, new BCB chief Farukh Ahmed told reporters in Dhaka last Thursday that BCCI secretary Jay Shah has “assured” him necessary security arrangements.

“I have talked to Jay Shah and he has given us assurance regarding security,” Faruque told reporters after a meeting with the national team players at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Having made an instant impact with his brilliant performance in the historic 2-0 triumph over Pakistan, Bangladesh rising speedster Nahid Rana has now set his eyes on the upcoming away Test series against India. The 21-year-old consistently hit 150 kph and stood out as the star performer especially in the second innings of the final Test in Rawalpindi where he took 4/44 as Bangladesh secured a historic sweep. “Obviously we are well prepared for India series. We have started training. The more we are prepared the better we will be in execution during the matches,” Rana said in a video shared by Bangladesh Cricket in ‘X’, formerly twitter.

“India are a good team but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there.” The speedster, from Chapainawabganj, has emerged as a new sensation in Bangladesh cricket with his ability to bowl consistently fast over long spells.

He made headlines by crossing the 150 kph mark on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March this year.

Then in Pakistan he established himself as a genuine fast bowling threat by making immediate impact in the second Test.

He dismissed Shan Masood with his third ball before scalping the prized wicket of Babar Azam in his next over.

“Before leaving, I had said that I wanted to achieve something for my country, and it feels great to have delivered on what was expected of me,” he said.

The first Test is slated in Chennai, a venue known for its bounce-friendly pitch.

Asked if he is ready to hit the 152 kph mark again, Rana said, “I will strive to give my best.

“Pace is something you can’t always predict — it depends a lot on rhythm. Sometimes, it just clicks, and suddenly you find yourself hitting those speeds.

“I never set out to clock 152 kph or push past that. I just focused on executing the team’s plan. My friends and folks back in the village are really happy of my achievement,” he said.

Rana’s journey in cricket began when his brother enrolled him in an academy in 2020 after finishing college.

He made his first-class debut in October 2021 and quickly made a mark, taking 32 wickets in the following season.

In the 2022-23 National Cricket League, Rana and Sumon Khan achieved a rare feat with both taking over 30 wickets, an accomplishment not seen in over 11 years for fast bowlers in the domestic first-class tournament.

Determined to carve his own path, he said: “I don’t want to be like anyone else. I want to create my own identity and be known as Nahid Rana of Bangladesh,” Rana said.

“I haven’t followed any particular bowler. I’ve watched and learned from everyone — my seniors and those I grew up watching,” he signed off.