Lalchand Rajput, the new head coach of the UAE cricket team, is focused on instilling a 'Khadoos' mindset in his players: grinding it out, occupying the crease, and avoiding throwing away wickets after reaching 20. Rajput, a former India international and manager of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, brings experience from coaching India, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe.

Rajput is currently preparing the UAE team for the 2025 Asia Cup, the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers, and a potential qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He emphasizes the positive impact of the ILT20 on UAE cricketers, noting that rubbing shoulders with international players has enhanced their batting, bowling, fielding, and mental strength, making them tougher and unafraid of failure.

He highlights the significance of hosting the Champions Trophy in the UAE, which drew large crowds and inspired younger players. The ILT20 has also evolved, providing opportunities for new players to emerge and creating competition, leading to a stronger national side and a deeper talent pool at the Under-19 level.

Rajput identifies standout talents in the UAE team, including Tanish Suri and Alishan Sharafu in batting, Rahul Chopra for his 'khadoos' mindset, and Simranjit Singh and Dhruv Parashar in spin bowling. He also mentions Rohit Khan as a promising pace bowler. Rajput notes a growing enthusiasm among youngsters for cricket, with increased participation in camps and tournaments.

The introduction of red-ball cricket is a significant development, teaching players to bat longer and build innings. Rajput shares examples of players like Zohaib Khan, Tariq Ahmed, and Alishan Sharafu who have embraced the challenge of batting long. He stresses the importance of valuing one's wicket and avoiding soft dismissals, which requires fitness and concentration.

Rajput also addressed Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket. Kohli's Test career concluded after 14 years, leaving behind a legacy of 9230 runs in 123 Tests, averaging 46.85, including 30 centuries. A rare Indian batter, Kohli flourished more abroad than at home, scoring 4894 runs in 68 away Tests at 41.13, including 16 centuries, compared to 4336 runs in 55 home Tests at 55.58.

Australia was Kohli’s favorite hunting ground among all away nations. He scored 1542 runs in 18 matches at an average of 46.72, with seven hundreds and four fifties. Kohli also reserved some of his fiercest batting for the Australians. In 30 Tests against them, he tallied 2232 runs at 43.76, with nine centuries and five fifties, making them his most runs and hundreds against any opposition.

Kohli's Australian journey began in 2011-12, with his first tour Down Under. In a tough series for India, which ended 4-0 in Australia's favour, Kohli emerged as a bright spot, scoring 300 runs at 37.50, including his maiden Test hundred in Adelaide.The 2014-15 series, however, was Kohli’s masterpiece. Leading India in the absence of MS Dhoni, he amassed 692 runs in four Tests at an astonishing 86.50 average, including four sublime centuries.

In 2018-19, Kohli led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia. Though less prolific with the bat, his leadership was critical. His fifth and final Test tour of Australia in 2024/25 ended on a sour note. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, and Kohli struggled, scoring just 190 runs in nine innings at 23.75.

Lalchand Rajput had previously urged Virat Kohli to play the upcoming Test series against England, believing the national team cannot afford to lose his experience. With Rohit Sharma's red-ball retirement, uncertainty loomed over Kohli's Test future. Rajput stressed that Kohli's experience and unmatched batting pedigree are irreplaceable, noting his 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

Rajput also suggested Jasprit Bumrah should captain the team, while Shubman Gill could grow under Bumrah's leadership. He acknowledged the absence of Mohammed Shami and possible limitations on Bumrah. Sai Sudharsan could potentially bat at number three. Rajput emphasized that Test cricket is about temperament and scoring big hundreds.