Nearly two decades after leading India to its first Twenty20 World Cup title, coach Lalchand Rajput has returned to the international arena, this time as the head of the United Arab Emirates national cricket team. As the team prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Rajput faces a challenging landscape in associate-level cricket.
The UAE, making only their third appearance in the T20 World Cup, aims to overcome the hurdles faced in their previous two tournaments, where they failed to reach the Super 8s. This time, they are placed in a tough group alongside established Test nations like South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.
Rajput’s primary goal is to gain respect for the UAE team. He expressed a desire to upset at least one top Test-playing nation, emphasizing the importance of building experience and instilling confidence in his young players. This focus on mental resilience is crucial as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Shifting from a cricketing giant like India to a developing team presents unique obstacles. Rajput recognizes that his players lack the necessary exposure and experience, which are vital for competing at a higher level. He acknowledges that associate nations often do not play enough cricket, a reality that challenges coaches.
In his new role, Rajput is committed to gradual improvement. He believes that significant changes cannot happen overnight, opting to focus on small, incremental gains in performance. He encourages his players to strive for just a 10 percent improvement rather than expecting sudden transformations.
Drawing inspiration from his competitive roots in Mumbai, Rajput is working on instilling a strong work ethic within his squad. He points out that many UAE players come from comfortable backgrounds, which can create barriers to the intense mental toughness needed for success in cricket. His aim is to motivate them to embrace a harder-working approach, asserting that increased effort often leads to better luck and outcomes.
The UAE’s journey kicks off against New Zealand in Chennai, marking the beginning of what Rajput hopes will be a transformative experience for his players as they compete on the world stage. With his extensive coaching experience and a focus on psychological development, Rajput is determined to guide the UAE team to new heights in international cricket.