The UAE have shown immense potential in the past and continue to prove why they are a team that cannot be taken lightly. They might be at the bottom of the table in the ICC CWC League 2, but they are still in with a chance to make it to the qualifiers and potentially play in a 50-over World Cup for the first time since 2015.
In the last seven years since then, they have played in multiple T20 World Cups and Asia Cups, but an opportunity to play in an ODI World Cup has evaded them.
Also Read: Exclusive – From India to UAE: Harpreet Singh Bhatia looks back at his ‘whirlwind’ journey
With the current head coach, Lalchand Rajput, the UAE seem to have found new vigour and purpose to their journey. Of course, a coach cannot do much without the backing of the players and their faith in him. That’s exactly what Rajput – a respected figure in the Indian coaching circles and overseas – has done since he took charge in 2024.
In a chat with The Crichub, wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra opens up about the impact Rajput has had as a coach.
Massive impact
“Lalchand sir has always had a big impact on me. Apart from technique and skills, he always talks about how you keep yourself ready mentally. Because mental toughness is the biggest aspect in today’s era,” Chopra said.
“During the preparation, he always keeps an eye on every single player and how player is reacting while going into the game. Every single aspect. One piece of advice from Lalchand sir which stuck with me is ‘Value your wicket’; keep your standards high.”
That’s exactly what Chopra did in his comeback ODI innings recently, when he smashed an unbeaten century against Canada to help his side to a comfortable victory.
Century on return
“Well, I was well prepared and I always backed myself under such circumstances we lost some quick wickets Thankfully this hundred came at right time for the team and for me also as it was my comeback innings Harpreet [Bhatia] guided me as well and I was able to be on the crease till the end,” he said recalling his 127* in Dundee.
Chopra, who has led UAE in 11 ODIs, was overlooked for the role after Muhammad Waseem’s tenure ended. Harpreet Singh Bhatia, who recently qualified to play for the UAE and had played just four ODIs, was preferred. However, the 31-year-old has no problems playing under Harpreet, slowly focusing on his batting.
“I am happy with any role whatever team needs from me. It’s all about how well you are prepared. I am backing myself at any number and any role. Leading a country side is always an honour, but I am happy to play solely as a batter as well,” he said.
Chopra backs Harpreet as captain
Speaking of Harpreet, Chopra believes he has all the ingredients to be a successful captain. “Well, Harpreet is a top batter. His record in Indian domestic circuit is impeccable. I learned a lot from him,” Chopra, who draws inspiration from MS Dhoni, said.
“His experience is very much helpful for the team from a player’s point of view, whether it is regarding decisions on the ground or it’s about how to prepare for such games. He has all the qualities of a captain.”
The UAE have world-class facilities at their disposal, and over the years they have developed the International League T20 (ILT20) as one of the must-watch tournaments, giving their local players and other associate members the much-needed exposure. Chopra is among one of many who have benefited a great deal from it.
Impact of ILT20 huge
“ILT20 2023 was a life-changing experience for me. Sharing dressing room with high-quality T20 players was really something huge. When I shared the field with legends like David Warner, Sam Billings, and Sikandar Raza, it was something different,” he remarked.
The tournament is perhaps one of the biggest reasons behind UAE giving some big teams a run for their money. “Growth in UAE cricket is very much better now. We beat Bangladesh at home, and we won the [six-team] Gulf Cup. We gave tough time to some top-tier teams as well, especially under Lalchand sir,” he added.
With world-class facilities, a competitive T20 league, and a supportive coach, UAE’s progress should come as no surprise. With a chance to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup, Chopra and UAE could very well take the team to new, unprecedented heights. They certainly have what it takes. Now it is just a question of whether they can churn out the results and reach their targets.
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