What is coach Lalchand Rajput's main goal with the UAE team?

Coach Lalchand Rajput's main goal with the UAE team is to earn respect by upsetting a top-ranked Test-playing nation in the T20 World Cup.

Who are the UAE's opponents in the 2026 T20 World Cup group stage?

In the 2026 T20 World Cup, the UAE is in a challenging group with established Test nations including South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

How is Lalchand Rajput improving the UAE cricket team?

Lalchand Rajput is focusing on incremental improvements, aiming for a 10% performance boost, and instilling a strong work ethic and mental fortitude in the players.

Home / Sports / From India glory to UAE's challenge: Rajput's story

From India glory to UAE's challenge: Rajput's story

8 Feb

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Summary

Coach Lalchand Rajput aims for UAE's T20 World Cup respect.
UAE faces tough group including South Africa and New Zealand.
Rajput focuses on small gains and improving players' work ethic.

From India glory to UAE's challenge: Rajput's story

Lalchand Rajput, who previously coached India to an inaugural T20 World Cup victory, is now at the helm of the United Arab Emirates team. The UAE is preparing for its third appearance in the T20 World Cup in 2026, held in India and Sri Lanka. This time, the team faces a formidable group including South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.

Rajput's primary objective is to earn respect for the UAE by achieving an upset win against a strong Test-playing nation. He acknowledges the challenges faced by associate nations, particularly the lack of exposure and high-stakes match practice. Since taking charge in February 2024, Rajput has focused on incremental improvements, aiming for a 10% performance boost rather than drastic changes.

Drawing from his experience in Mumbai's competitive cricket scene, Rajput is instilling a "hard work" ethic in his players, contrasting it with the "comfortable" lifestyles often associated with Dubai. He emphasizes mental fortitude and trust as crucial elements for success. The UAE's campaign is set to commence against New Zealand on Tuesday in Chennai.