Pace man Nahid Rana, who was ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Australia with a Grade-2 side strain, returned to Bangladesh on Sunday night from Perth after completing his medical assessment and is set to begin rehabilitation next week.
A source within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) medical department confirmed the development to TIMES of Bangladesh, saying Rana has been advised to take another week of rest before starting his rehabilitation programme.
Rana travelled to Perth alongside fellow pacer Taskin Ahmed for consultations with specialists. While the visit was primarily aimed at reviewing his long-standing shin bone issue, he also underwent a comprehensive assessment that included scans of his side strain.
The medical assessment brought positive news regarding Rana’s shin bone, with doctors finding no fresh concerns. However, they advised him to rest for another week before beginning rehabilitation for the side injury.
“He has already consulted doctors for two issues. One of them examined the old issue in his shin bone, and that looks to be in good condition. As for the side strain, the advice is to take about another week’s rest before beginning rehabilitation,” the source said.
Rana sustained the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and was subsequently ruled out of Bangladesh’s first tour to Australia in 23 years. After completing his medical assessments, he returned home to continue his recovery, while Taskin joined the Bangladesh squad in Darwin ahead of the two-match Test series.
Before moving into the next phase of his recovery, Rana will undergo another physical assessment by the BCB’s medical and physiotherapy team.
“After about a week, we’ll carry out another physical assessment to see where he stands. Based on that, we’ll draw up a plan,” a BCB medical department official said.
Rana is expected to remain out of action for up to eight weeks as he goes through a phased rehabilitation programme, with each stage depending on medical clearance.
The first priority will be ensuring the injured area is completely pain-free before focusing on rebuilding strength.
“The first priority for Rana when he returns will be to ensure that the injured area is completely pain-free. That’s the first phase of his recovery. During this stage, he may still experience some discomfort, but the focus will be on regaining strength in the affected area. Once that strength returns, we can move on to the next stage,” the official added.
The official explained that Rana’s return to bowling will depend on completing each stage of rehabilitation successfully.
“There are essentially three checkpoints: the pain has to be gone, the strength has to be restored, and then he can begin progressive bowling. Once he is able to bowl at 100 percent intensity, the bowling coach, fitness coach and physiotherapist will assess his workload,” he said.
“Before that, the physiotherapist has to clear him to resume bowling and fitness work. After the physio’s clearance, the fitness coach will conduct the necessary fitness tests. Reaching full bowling intensity will take time. It could take one week or two weeks before he is bowling at full pace,” the official concluded.
