Bangladesh pace-bowling coach Shaun Tait has backed the team’s decision to bring in Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Ripon Mondol for the first two T20 international matches against New Zealand. Speaking ahead of the series-deciding third ODI in Chattogram on April 23, Tait said both players have deserved their opportunities, while also noting that senior pacers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana have been rested for the T20I stretch.
New faces for Bangladesh’s T20I opener vs New Zealand
Tait confirmed that Saqlain and Mondol have secured spots in the T20I squad for the opening pair of games against New Zealand. Saqlain’s inclusion is a first-time call-up to the national T20I set-up, while Mondol has already featured in three T20I appearances for Bangladesh.
- Abdul Gaffar Saqlain receives a maiden T20I call-up for the first two matches against New Zealand
- Ripon Mondol has played three T20Is for Bangladesh, with those appearances coming during the 2023 Asian Games cricket tournament
- Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana have been rested for the T20I series
PSL links and the timing of the call-ups
With the domestic and franchise calendar in motion, Tait explained that the rested pacers are expected to head to Pakistan to take part in the Pakistan Super League for their respective teams. He also stressed that, having observed both Saqlain and Mondol closely, he believes the moment is right to test them at international level.
Tait’s view was that the squad selection reflects readiness shown over the past year across multiple formats and pathways. The T20Is come after the third ODI, which will decide the ODI series in Chattogram on April 23.
Tait’s assessment of Saqlain, Mondol and Nahid Rana
While the focus of the squad changes is on Saqlain and Mondol, Tait also addressed the role of Nahid Rana, arguing that the fast bowler should not overthink his approach in T20 cricket. He pointed to the advantage of raw pace and highlighted the importance of sticking to what is already working at the moment.
- Tait said Nahid Rana should avoid making things overly complicated by trying too many different delivery types in T20s
- Tait noted that Nahid has a slower ball, but also emphasised that his short-ball/bouncer is a key weapon
- He argued that for many bowlers who bowl in the 130 kph range, a lethal bouncer is not always available—making Nahid’s variation particularly valuable
The coach also underlined that Nahid’s fitness has been a major positive, stressing that the bowler remains effective even in hot conditions and can sustain his pace and workload. Tait added that Rana has been taking wickets regularly with his short-ball deliveries, driven by pace and bounce.
- Tait said Nahid Rana is producing a lot of wickets with his short-ball approach, powered by pace and bounce
- He highlighted Rana’s ability to bowl long spells at pace during very hot conditions, including running in and delivering ten overs at that intensity
Why the coach sees potential—and the parallels with his own career
Tait suggested that Rana’s consistent chances have come after a period of waiting, and that the current stretch is allowing him to show what he can do. He referenced how, during the PSL, there was significant buzz around Rana when he played for Zalmi, particularly after observers saw him bowl in the 145 to 150 kph bracket.
When asked whether there are similarities between himself and Nahid Rana, Tait said there are both parallels and differences. He credited Rana’s athletic build and fitness, describing him as lean and strong, and said that in hot conditions he can bowl quickly more comfortably than Tait could earlier in his own career. Tait also admitted that he personally was more prone to injuries than Rana.
Closing his remarks, Tait spoke about what he has enjoyed seeing from Rana in this series—especially his yorkers. He framed the impact of yorkers as a throwback to the days associated with Waqar Younis: a fast bowler arriving to take early wickets and then finishing strongly at the back end with fast yorkers.
- Tait said Rana’s chance to play consistently took time, and he is now showing his capability
- He pointed to PSL chatter when Rana played for Zalmi, driven by his ability to bowl 145–150 kph
- Tait said there are similarities with himself and Rana, but also differences, particularly around fitness and injury history
- He praised Rana’s yorkers as a standout feature, likening the impact to the fast-wicket-taking and tail-clearing role associated with Waqar Younis
