NEW DELHI: Grind it out, occupy the crease for so long as attainable, and by no means throw your wicket away after crossing 20 — that’s the ‘Khadoos’ mindset UAE‘s new head coach Lalchand Rajput is making an attempt to instill in his gamers. A former India worldwide, Rajput performed two Assessments and 4 ODIs between 1985 and 1987. However he’s finest remembered for his function in India’s historic triumph on the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the place he served because the supervisor of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led aspect that lifted the trophy.Put up that success, Rajput transitioned into full-time teaching.Through the years, he has taken cost of a number of nationwide groups — India, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and now the United Arab Emirates. Go Past The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!At the moment, Rajput has his eyes set on three main assignments with the UAE cricket workforce. First, the 2025 Asia Cup, for which the UAE have already certified after a commanding 55-run win over Oman within the ACC Males’s Premier Cup ultimate. Second, the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers — with the principle match to be held in India and Sri Lanka. And third, trying additional forward, Rajput believes UAE are on monitor to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, given their latest performances and stupendous outcomes.In an unique interview with TimesofIndia.com, Rajput shared his imaginative and prescient, technique, and the cultural transformation he’s aiming to convey into UAE cricket.How has the ILT20 contributed to the event of UAE cricketers?It has contributed immensely. When UAE gamers rub shoulders with worldwide cricketers, they study loads. I’ve seen noticeable progress of their general cricketing atmosphere — whether or not it’s batting, bowling, or fielding. The psychological facet is very essential. Interacting with prime gamers helps them perceive what they do proper — how they put together, how mentally sturdy they’re. All these elements mixed have made UAE cricketers more durable, stronger, and most significantly, unafraid of failure.The Champions Trophy was held within the UAE — how important was that second for native gamers?It was an enormous enhance, I’d say. In the event you have a look at the Champions Trophy matches, the stadiums had been packed. The India–Pakistan sport was fully bought out, not a single seat was obtainable. Even the semi-final in opposition to New Zealand and the ultimate had been performed in entrance of full homes. Each time India performs, there’s huge fan following — not simply regionally, however internationally. Individuals love to observe stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and different prime gamers. For UAE gamers and followers, it’s an enormous alternative to see these cricketers up shut. The general public enjoys it, and there’s little question the Champions Trophy performs a key function in selling the sport right here. In the event you have a look at the youthful technology — the U16s and U19s — they’re all impressed and need to play cricket, make a reputation for themselves, and ultimately signify the nationwide workforce. So sure, it is a main enhance for UAE cricket and the board as nicely. Internet hosting such massive matches gives invaluable expertise — not only for gamers, however for everybody concerned. I’m 100% positive it has helped the UAE board, the cricketers, and the followers alike.In what methods has the ILT20 developed with every passing season?Each season has contributed new gamers to the UAE cricket board. This time as nicely, we have seen a number of skills emerge from the ILT20. The message is evident — when you carry out nicely, the following step is taking part in for the nationwide workforce. Earlier, gamers didn’t take issues as significantly. There was inconsistency — somebody would carry out in a single sport, then go quiet for the following three or 4. Many had been content material with scoring 40s and 50s as a result of they knew there wasn’t a lot competitors or bench energy, so that they’d keep within the workforce longer. However now, because of the ILT20, we’re seeing contemporary faces each season. There’s real competitors — amongst batters, bowlers — which is nice for workforce dynamics. It additionally offers coaches extra choices and helps construct a stronger bench, which is crucial for a robust nationwide aspect. The identical influence is seen on the Underneath-19 degree too. Many U-19 gamers at the moment are aiming for nationwide choice and even get to bowl within the nets to ILT20 gamers. That have is invaluable for his or her improvement. ILT20 has actually breathed new life into the UAE’s younger cricketers. They now have an opportunity to share area with gamers who’ve featured within the IPL — and that makes an enormous distinction. Earlier, they solely watched IPL stars on TV. Now, they get to work together with them, learn the way they practice, and perceive the mindset required to succeed at that degree. IPL is arguably the most effective match on the planet, and each participant goals of being a part of it. ILT20 offers them an opportunity to rub shoulders with such stars and develop within the course of. I’m 100% positive ILT20 has helped UAE gamers enhance and develop into higher cricketers.Have you ever come throughout any standout or uncommon expertise throughout the UAE workforce? Might you identify just a few promising gamers?Technically talking, in batting, Tanish Suri is one participant who has actually been performing nicely. Then we now have Alishan Sharafu, one other constant performer. Rahul Chopra, a middle-order batsman who got here from Haryana, brings that ‘khadoos’ Indian mindset — he’s one other strong prospect. Amongst spinners, Simranjit Singh from Punjab — a left-arm spinner who performed Underneath-19 cricket there — has impressed lately, although he hadn’t obtained many alternatives earlier. Then there’s Dhruv Parashar, an off-spinner with a tall body, who bowls like R. Ashwin. He has variations just like the knuckle ball, can bowl leg-spin as nicely, and contributes with the bat — a really promising all-rounder. Within the tempo division, Rohit Khan is a standout. He’ll develop into eligible to play for UAE by June-July and has proven nice potential. We even have Zahid Khan, Matiullah, and Javadullah, together with our senior-most pacer, Junaid, who has been a mainstay. General, we now have a superb bunch of gamers. Earlier, they didn’t get sufficient matches, however now that they’re rubbing shoulders with prime worldwide cricketers, I’m assured we’ll see much more UAE gamers making their mark within the close to future.
Have you ever observed a rising enthusiasm amongst children to pursue cricket as a profession because the ILT20 got here to the UAE?Positively. Plenty of children are coming by means of now — they attend camps, they’re wanting to play, they usually need to take up the sport significantly. Earlier, when you had round 100 youngsters taking part in on the junior degree, now that quantity has grown to over 500. That’s an enormous leap. We’ve additionally began an Underneath-16 match lately, along with the Underneath-19 setup, which is a really constructive step. One other main change is the introduction of red-ball cricket — two-day matches — which by no means existed right here earlier than. Earlier, gamers solely had publicity to T10, T20, or 50-over codecs. However if you wish to rating 100, you want to bat for 2 to 3 hours. That’s the mindset we’re constructing now. Beforehand, gamers would simply hit fast 30s or 40s in T20s and be completed. Now they’re studying tips on how to bat longer, construct innings, and develop the temperament wanted for sustained success. So sure, the construction is evolving. With gamers like Alishan Sharafu already making an influence, I’m assured that within the subsequent ILT20, you’ll see not one, however 4 gamers like Alishan, performing constantly and batting with maturity.With 220 runs in 10 matches for Alishan Sharafu and 10 wickets in as many video games for Aayan Afzal Khan throughout ILT20 2025, how do you assess the expansion and influence of those two rising skills?I’ll discuss Alishan first — he’s been constantly performing. Each time he’s acquired a possibility, he’s made it rely, usually staying not out. That naturally boosts his confidence, and in cricket, confidence is every part. In the event you’re assured, you’ll be able to conquer something. ILT20 has given gamers like him that platform to construct perception by means of efficiency. The identical goes for Aayan Afzal Khan. He’s a gifted bowler — perhaps not absolutely prepared for the UAE nationwide workforce simply but — however his improvement has been exceptional. He completed as the best wicket-taker in ILT20, and now everyone seems to be speaking about him. That type of publicity takes a participant’s stature to the following degree. So, when he ultimately makes his UAE debut, individuals will already know his credentials — that he’s taken wickets in opposition to prime worldwide gamers. Bear in mind, ILT20 groups embrace 9 abroad professionals within the taking part in XI. Solely two spots go to UAE gamers. So for them, it’s clear what degree of efficiency and health is required to compete. Alishan and Aayan will not be simply performing — they’re doing it constantly, which is vital for his or her progress and for the UAE workforce’s stability. Earlier, gamers would usually throw their wickets away after scoring 40s and 50s. That mindset is altering now. We’re engaged on bringing that ‘Khadoos’ Mumbai-style perspective — the place, when you’re set, you don’t give it away. Go massive, purpose for hundreds of years. Consistency and health at the moment are the main target. It is advisable to be match to final in ILT20, and that health helps gamers bat longer and carry out extra constantly. That’s why we’re now seeing a stronger, extra dependable pool of UAE expertise rising.
With world-class gamers taking part within the ILT20, how useful has the publicity been for UAE cricketers?It’s been an amazing publicity for our gamers. After they see stars like Kieron Pollard taking part in in opposition to them — somebody often called a robust striker — it raises their pleasure and aspiration. Gamers like Phil Salt and several other others who’ve represented their nationwide groups additionally function right here, and that provides immense worth. The presence of prime cricketers from varied nations — England, the West Indies, and others (besides India) — elevates the usual of the ILT20, and naturally, our gamers get to study from them. ILT20’s general high quality has improved, and that’s largely due to these worldwide names. For UAE gamers, these cricketers develop into function fashions — they observe how they put together, what they do proper, and even get to work together with them. These small conversations about batting or bowling might be filled with useful insights, which our gamers attempt to implement. Let me provide you with one instance: earlier, our gamers largely performed T20s and T10s. In T20s, bowlers ship 4 overs — sometimes two up entrance and two on the demise — and that’s it. However in 50-over matches, it is totally different. Our quick bowlers used to carry out nicely with the brand new ball within the first 5 overs, however within the ultimate overs — after having fielded for 40-plus overs — they might give away 60 to 70 runs within the final 5 – 6. Their our bodies weren’t used to that degree of endurance. As an illustration, a bowler clocking 130+ km/h early within the innings would drop to beneath 120 km/h within the demise overs merely resulting from fatigue. Now, they’ve realized the significance of health. They’re hitting the health club, engaged on muscle energy, and bettering their stamina — all classes picked up from the ILT20 atmosphere. So sure, the ILT20 has performed a significant function in bettering our gamers — technically, mentally, and bodily.
Can you’re taking us by means of with some examples from the ‘Khadoos model of cricket’?I began red-ball cricket right here — with the normal white clothes and every part — to show gamers the worth of batting lengthy and constructing innings. I advised them, ‘It’s important to bat 90 overs.’ Their first response was disbelief — ‘Who’s going to bat for 90 overs?’ They simply weren’t used to it. So I added a reward: anybody who manages to bat the complete 90 overs could be thought-about for the nationwide workforce camp. You received’t imagine it — we performed 4 video games and I noticed 4 or 5 gamers batting for 40 overs. That made me so joyful. When a participant was set and had batted lengthy, I used to retire him simply to offer others an opportunity. For instance, Zohaib Khan, a left-hander, was batting on 70 after I retired him. Then there was Tariq Ahmed, a younger batter, who additionally acquired into the 70s. Alishan Sharafu batted fantastically and was nicely previous 70 as nicely. So a whole lot of them took up the problem significantly. The message I gave them was easy: when you’re set, don’t throw away your wicket. In the event you get out earlier than 20 runs, I received’t say something — that might simply be a superb ball. However when you’re on 30 or 40 and nonetheless get out, it probably means you are making a mistake — perhaps a lapse in focus or fatigue. That’s the place health is available in. In the event you’re not bodily sturdy, your legs get drained and your decision-making suffers. What’s encouraging is that this mindset is altering. Gamers at the moment are growing that ‘khadoos’ perspective — the dedication to not give their wicket away simply. I at all times inform them: worth your wicket. When you begin doing that, you develop as a cricketer. We’re seeing progress, and we’ll hold constructing on it as a result of cricket is a sport of steady enchancment. Now we’re getting ready for 2 main milestones. First, we’ve certified for the Asia Cup after 10–15 years, which is a large second for UAE cricket. It’s an enormous alternative for our gamers to compete in opposition to prime groups like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Second, we’re within the ultimate stage of T20 World Cup qualifiers — three of the 9 groups will undergo, and we’re working extraordinarily onerous to be one among them. And eventually, we’re focusing on qualification for the 2027 50-over World Cup. That’s one among our long-term targets. That’s additionally why I’ve revived red-ball cricket — so our gamers can study to play lengthy innings, enhance their health, and develop the temperament wanted for the longer codecs. We’re laying the inspiration now for future success.