The former India World Cup-winning coach is instilling a Mumbai-hardened work ethic in his UAE squad as they prepare to face giants like South Africa and New Zealand in their group.
For Lalchand Rajput, the journey from orchestrating India’s historic triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup to steering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 2026 edition is a study in contrasting cricketing realities. Now, the former India opener has a clear, ambitious goal for his associate-nation squad: win the world’s respect.
“Our main goal for now will be to upset one good top-test playing nation,” Rajput told Reuters, outlining the target for his team in a demanding Group D that features South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. “It will give these young players a taste of what is required.”
Appointed in February 2024, Rajput is navigating the core challenge of associate-level cricket: a stark lack of high-pressure exposure. “They don’t play much cricket. They don’t get that exposure,” he acknowledged. However, he brings a philosophy of incremental progress to bridge this gap. “I tell my players I just want you to perform 10 per cent better than what you have been doing.”
His strategy extends beyond technique. Drawing from his roots in Mumbai’s fiercely competitive cricket culture—a crucible for India’s domestic champions—Rajput is focused on transforming mindset and work ethic.
“I come from Mumbai. I am a very tough character… We hate losing,” he stated, contrasting it with the comfortable lifestyle his UAE players often experience. “I have focused a lot on the aspect of improving the work ethic with these players. The harder you work, the luckier you become.”
The UAE, making only their third T20 World Cup appearance, have never progressed beyond the first round. Their campaign begins on Tuesday against New Zealand in Chennai—a immediate test of Rajput’s philosophy against the world’s best.
“The work is in progress because you cannot change overnight,” Rajput concluded, blending realism with a quiet determination to script a new, respected chapter for Emirati cricket.
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