Nahid Rana’s Injury Timeline (Source: AFP)Nahid Rana's rise in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. The Bangladesh fast bowler emerged as one of the country's most exciting pace prospects after making his international debut in 2024.With the ability to consistently bowl above 140 kmph and touch speeds of 150 kmph, Nahid Rana quickly established himself as a bowler capable of troubling batters across formats.However, a series of injury setbacks has disrupted his availability for Bangladesh. A side strain sustained in July kept him out of the Australia Tests. With his availability for upcoming international assignments uncertain, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is now considering investigating his recurring back pain.That being said, here is a look at Nahid Rana's injury timeline and how the repeated setbacks have affected his international career.1. July 2026: Side Strain Rules Him Out Of Zimbabwe T20IsNahid Rana's injury troubles began in July 2026 when he sustained a left-side strain during Bangladesh's T20I series against Zimbabwe. The injury forced him off the field during the match, and subsequent scans confirmed a Grade 2 side strain.The BCB estimated that he would require six to eight weeks of rehabilitation, immediately ruling him out of the two-Test series against Australia.2. August 2026: Ruled out of Bangladesh tour of Australia due to recurring Side StrainRana was once again ruled out of Bangladesh's two-Test tour of Australia as he continued recovering from the side strain.The series, which formed part of the ICC World Test Championship, was a significant assignment for Bangladesh, making his absence a blow to their pace-bowling resources.3. September 2026: Missed Asian Games 2026 with a side strain injuryNahid Rana's recovery did not progress quickly enough for him to return for the 2026 Asian Games. The Bangladesh pacer missed the tournament while continuing his rehabilitation for the side strain.4. October 2026: Excluded from Afghanistan vs Bangladesh in UAE, nursing the side strainThe Bangladesh pacer remained unavailable when the team prepared for their Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates. The side strain continued to affect his rehabilitation, preventing the fast bowler from returning to the national setup.ALSO READBangladesh Test Squad vs Afghanistan Announced; Nahid Rana ExcludedThe absence also raised questions about whether he would be fit for Bangladesh's subsequent international commitments. At this stage, his recovery had stretched across multiple tours and competitions, with no confirmed return date.5. Mid-October 2026: Fresh glute pain rules him out of the UAE Tri-SeriesJust when Rana appeared to be moving closer to a comeback, another setback emerged. The pacer developed pain in his glute region during rehabilitation, ruling him out of the ODI tri-series in the UAE involving Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.6. October 2026: BCB investigates back pain as West Indies Tests approachNahid Rana’s recovery took another turn when he reported back pain during rehabilitation. The BCB arranged medical investigations, and the fast bowler visited Evercare Hospital for assessment.Initial reports indicated that no serious concern had been identified, although scans were being reviewed and the board was considering whether to seek a specialist’s opinion abroad.Chief selector Habibul Bashar confirmed that Rana had not been completely ruled out of the West Indies series, but his participation remained uncertain. The two-Test series was scheduled to begin on October 28, leaving Bangladesh with limited time to assess his readiness.7. Late October 2026: South Africa Tour Also In DoubtRana’s availability for Bangladesh’s upcoming tour of South Africa has also come under scrutiny. Reports emerged on October 13 that the bowler was experiencing weakness in his lower back and pelvic region, with pain recurring when he attempted to bowl.According to reports citing BCB sources, scans had not revealed a clear structural injury. The medical team suspected that a lack of strength in the affected areas could be contributing to the discomfort, although further assessment was needed to establish the cause.The board was considering sending Rana abroad for a second opinion. If the reported four-to-eight-week rehabilitation estimate proves accurate, he could miss the West Indies Tests and part of the South Africa tour.ALSO READHasan Mahmud Jumps In ICC Test Rankings After Hat-Trick vs Afghanistan
