Latest news with #LalchandRajput
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Lalchand Rajput appointed league advisor for T20 Mumbai League 2025; MCA also announces team of scouts
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 1 (ANI): The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has appointed former India cricketer and veteran coach Lalchand Rajput as the league advisor for the upcoming T20 Mumbai League 2025 and also announced a dedicated team of scouts who will work along with him to strengthen talent identification and development, as per a release from T20 Mumbai League. Season 3 of T20 Mumbai League is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium from June 4 to 12. The 63-year-old seasoned cricket professional, who served as the manager of the Indian team during their T20I World Cup-winning campaign in 2007, is currently the head coach of the United Arab Emirates national team. In the past, he has also coached Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Rajput brings a wealth of experience in both domestic and international cricket, having held various leadership and coaching roles over the years. As league advisor, he will lead a dedicated team of scouts comprising Sanjay Patil, Ghulam Parkar, Ravi Thakkar, and Musavir Khote -- all highly respected figures in Mumbai's cricketing fraternity. 'We are thrilled to welcome Lalchand Rajput as the league advisor for the T20 Mumbai League 2025. His vast experience and dedication to the development of the game make him the perfect choice to guide the league and nurture emerging talent. We are confident that under his leadership, the league will continue to grow as a premier platform for showcasing Mumbai's cricketing excellence,' said MCA secretary Abhay Hadap, as quoted from T20 Mumbai League. The T20 Mumbai League, one of India's leading franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments, makes its much-anticipated return after six years with season 3. The upcoming edition promises high-octane action, featuring top international stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube and Prithvi Shaw alongside some of Mumbai's most exciting young talents, including Musheer Khan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Atharva Ankolekar. Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League will feature eight teams competing for the coveted title: North Mumbai Panthers (Horizon Sports India Private Limited), ARCS Andheri (Arcs Sports & Entertainment Private Limited), Triumph Knights Mumbai North East (Transcon Triumph Knights Private Limited), Bandra Blasters (Pk Sports Ventures Private Limited), Eagle Thane Strikers (Eagle Infra India Ltd.), Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs (World Star Premier League LLP), SoBo Mumbai Falcons (Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd.) and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals (Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment). (ANI)
Hans India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Lalchand Rajput appointed League Advisor for T20 Mumbai League 2025
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has appointed former India cricketer and veteran coach Lalchand Rajput as the League Advisor for the upcoming T20 Mumbai League 2025 and also announced a dedicated team of scouts who will work along with him to strengthen talent identification and development. Season 3 of T20 Mumbai League is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium from June 4 to 12. The 63-year-old seasoned cricket professional, who served as the manager of the Indian team during their T20I World Cup-winning campaign in 2007, is currently the head coach of the United Arab Emirates national team. In the past, he has also coached Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Rajput brings a wealth of experience in both domestic and international cricket, having held various leadership and coaching roles over the years. As League Advisor, he will lead a dedicated team of scouts comprising Sanjay Patil, Ghulam Parkar, Ravi Thakkar, and Musavir Khote — all highly respected figures in Mumbai's cricketing fraternity. 'We are thrilled to welcome Lalchand Rajput as the League Advisor for the T20 Mumbai League 2025. His vast experience and dedication to the development of the game make him the perfect choice to guide the league and nurture emerging talent. We are confident that under his leadership, the league will continue to grow as a premier platform for showcasing Mumbai's cricketing excellence,' said MCA Secretary Abhay Hadap. The T20 Mumbai League, one of India's leading franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments, makes its much-anticipated return after six years with Season 3. The upcoming edition promises high-octane action, featuring top international stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube and Prithvi Shaw alongside some of Mumbai's most exciting young talents, including Musheer Khan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Atharva Ankolekar. Season 3 of the T20 Mumbai League will feature eight teams competing for the coveted title: North Mumbai Panthers (Horizon Sports India Private Limited), ARCS Andheri , Triumph Knights Mumbai North East , Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals .
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IPL 2025 new schedule: Gujarat Titans match date, venue, timings, opponent and more
NEW DELHI: Following consultations with the government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will resume from May 17, with matches scheduled across six venues. The season will restart at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Kolkata Knight Riders. The league had been suspended for a week after escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, during which Pakistani missile and drone attacks were successfully intercepted by Indian forces. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! As part of the revised schedule, no matches will be played in Mohali or Dharamsala. The Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians match, which was earlier shifted to Ahmedabad, will now be held at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 26. The final will be played on June 3, with the playoffs starting from May 29. Venues for the playoff fixtures will be announced in due course. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the resumption of the TATA IPL 2025 . After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the Board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season." "A total of 17 matches will be played across six venues, starting May 17, 2025, and culminating in the final on June 3, 2025. The revised schedule includes two double-headers, which will be played on two Sundays," the BCCI stated in a release on Monday. "The BCCI takes this opportunity to once again salute the bravery and resilience of India's armed forces, whose efforts have enabled the safe return of cricket. The Board reaffirms its commitment to the national interest while ensuring the successful completion of the league," said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in the release. According to the BCCI, the revised IPL 2025 Playoff Schedule is as follows: Qualifier 1 – May 29 Eliminator – May 30 Qualifier 2 – June 1 Final – June 3 Want to bring Mumbai's 'Khadoos' cricket mindset to the UAE team: Lalchand Rajput IPL 2025 NEW SCHEDULE : GUJARAT TITANS May 18, 7:30 PM – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans – Delhi May 22, 7:30 PM – Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants – Ahmedabad May 25, 3:30 PM – Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings – Ahmedabad
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Want to bring Mumbai's 'khadoos' mindset to UAE': Lalchand Rajput
File photo of Lalchand Rajput. (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Grind it out, occupy the crease for as long as possible, and never throw your wicket away after crossing 20 — that's the 'Khadoos' mindset UAE 's new head coach Lalchand Rajput is trying to instill in his players. A former India international, Rajput played two Tests and four ODIs between 1985 and 1987. But he is best remembered for his role in India's historic triumph at the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he served as the manager of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side that lifted the trophy. Post that success, Rajput transitioned into full-time coaching. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor Over the years, he has taken charge of several national teams — India, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and now the United Arab Emirates. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Currently, Rajput has his eyes set on three major assignments with the UAE cricket team . First, the 2025 Asia Cup, for which the UAE have already qualified after a commanding 55-run win over Oman in the ACC Men's Premier Cup final. Second, the T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers — with the main tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka. And third, looking further ahead, Rajput believes UAE are on track to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, given their recent performances and stupendous results. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo In an exclusive interview with Rajput shared his vision, strategy, and the cultural transformation he's aiming to bring into UAE cricket. How has the ILT20 contributed to the development of UAE cricketers? It has contributed immensely. When UAE players rub shoulders with international cricketers, they learn a lot. I've seen noticeable growth in their overall cricketing environment — whether it's batting, bowling, or fielding. The mental aspect is especially important. Interacting with top players helps them understand what they do right — how they prepare, how mentally strong they are. All these factors combined have made UAE cricketers tougher, stronger, and most importantly, unafraid of failure. The Champions Trophy was held in the UAE — how significant was that moment for local players? It was a huge boost, I would say. If you look at the Champions Trophy matches, the stadiums were packed. The India–Pakistan game was completely sold out, not a single seat was available. Even the semi-final against New Zealand and the final were played in front of full houses. Whenever India plays, there's massive fan following — not just locally, but across the world. People love to watch stars like Virat Kohli , Rohit Sharma, and other top players. For UAE players and fans, it's a big opportunity to see these cricketers up close. The public enjoys it, and there's no doubt the Champions Trophy plays a key role in promoting the game here. If you look at the younger generation — the U16s and U19s — they're all inspired and want to play cricket, make a name for themselves, and eventually represent the national team. So yes, it's a major boost for UAE cricket and the board as well. Hosting such big matches offers invaluable experience — not just for players, but for everyone involved. I'm 100% sure it has helped the UAE board, the cricketers, and the fans alike. In what ways has the ILT20 evolved with each passing season? Every season has contributed new players to the UAE cricket board. This time as well, we've seen several talents emerge from the ILT20. The message is clear — if you perform well, the next step is playing for the national team. Earlier, players didn't take things as seriously. There was inconsistency — someone would perform in one game, then go quiet for the next three or four. Many were content with scoring 40s and 50s because they knew there wasn't much competition or bench strength, so they'd stay in the team longer. But now, thanks to the ILT20, we're seeing fresh faces every season. There's genuine competition — among batters, bowlers — which is great for team dynamics. It also gives coaches more options and helps build a stronger bench, which is essential for a strong national side. The same impact is visible at the Under-19 level too. Many U-19 players are now aiming for national selection and even get to bowl in the nets to ILT20 players. That experience is invaluable for their development. ILT20 has truly breathed new life into the UAE's young cricketers. They now have a chance to share space with players who've featured in the IPL — and that makes a huge difference. Earlier, they only watched IPL stars on TV. Now, they get to interact with them, learn how they train, and understand the mindset required to succeed at that level. IPL is arguably the best tournament in the world, and every player dreams of being part of it. ILT20 gives them a chance to rub shoulders with such stars and grow in the process. I'm 100% sure ILT20 has helped UAE players improve and become better cricketers. Have you come across any standout or rare talent within the UAE team? Could you name a few promising players? Technically speaking, in batting, Tanish Suri is one player who has really been performing well. Then we have Alishan Sharafu, another consistent performer. Rahul Chopra, a middle-order batsman who came from Haryana, brings that 'khadoos' Indian mindset — he's another solid prospect. Among spinners, Simranjit Singh from Punjab — a left-arm spinner who played Under-19 cricket there — has impressed recently, though he hadn't received many opportunities earlier. Then there's Dhruv Parashar, an off-spinner with a tall frame, who bowls like R. Ashwin. He has variations like the knuckle ball, can bowl leg-spin as well, and contributes with the bat — a very promising all-rounder. In the pace department, Rohit Khan is a standout. He will become eligible to play for UAE by June-July and has shown great potential. We also have Zahid Khan , Matiullah, and Javadullah, along with our senior-most pacer, Junaid, who has been a mainstay. Overall, we have a good bunch of players. Earlier, they didn't get enough matches, but now that they're rubbing shoulders with top international cricketers, I'm confident we'll see a lot more UAE players making their mark in the near future. Desert Vipers' Tom Moody praises UAE cricketers Ali Naseer, Tanish Suri ahead of ILT20 2025 Have you noticed a growing enthusiasm among youngsters to pursue cricket as a career since the ILT20 came to the UAE? Definitely. A lot of youngsters are coming through now — they attend camps, they're eager to play, and they want to take up the game seriously. Earlier, if you had around 100 kids playing at the junior level, now that number has grown to over 500. That's a big leap. We've also started an Under-16 tournament recently, in addition to the Under-19 setup, which is a very positive step. Another major change is the introduction of red-ball cricket — two-day matches — which never existed here before. Earlier, players only had exposure to T10, T20, or 50-over formats. But if you want to score a hundred, you need to bat for two to three hours. That's the mindset we're building now. Previously, players would just hit quick 30s or 40s in T20s and be done. Now they're learning how to bat longer, build innings, and develop the temperament needed for sustained success. So yes, the structure is evolving. With players like Alishan Sharafu already making an impact, I'm confident that in the next ILT20, you'll see not one, but four players like Alishan, performing consistently and batting with maturity. With 220 runs in 10 matches for Alishan Sharafu and 10 wickets in as many games for Aayan Afzal Khan during ILT20 2025, how do you assess the growth and impact of these two emerging talents? I'll talk about Alishan first — he's been consistently performing. Whenever he's got an opportunity, he's made it count, often staying not out. That naturally boosts his confidence, and in cricket, confidence is everything. If you're confident, you can conquer anything. ILT20 has given players like him that platform to build belief through performance. The same goes for Aayan Afzal Khan. He's a talented bowler — maybe not fully ready for the UAE national team just yet — but his development has been remarkable. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in ILT20, and now everyone is talking about him. That kind of exposure takes a player's stature to the next level. So, when he eventually makes his UAE debut, people will already know his credentials — that he's taken wickets against top international players. Remember, ILT20 teams include nine overseas professionals in the playing XI. Only two spots go to UAE players. So for them, it's clear what level of performance and fitness is required to compete. Alishan and Aayan are not just performing — they're doing it consistently, which is key for their growth and for the UAE team's stability. Earlier, players would often throw their wickets away after scoring 40s and 50s. That mindset is changing now. We're working on bringing that 'Khadoos' Mumbai-style attitude — where, if you're set, you don't give it away. Go big, aim for centuries. Consistency and fitness are now the focus. You need to be fit to last in ILT20, and that fitness is helping players bat longer and perform more consistently. That's why we're now seeing a stronger, more reliable pool of UAE talent emerging. Champions Trophy: Lalchand Rajput on what to expect in India vs Pakistan | On Rohit, Kohli's form With world-class players participating in the ILT20, how valuable has the exposure been for UAE cricketers? It's been a great exposure for our players. When they see stars like Kieron Pollard playing against them — someone known as a powerful striker — it raises their excitement and aspiration. Players like Phil Salt and several others who've represented their national teams also feature here, and that adds immense value. The presence of top cricketers from various countries — England, the West Indies, and others (except India) — elevates the standard of the ILT20, and naturally, our players get to learn from them. ILT20's overall quality has improved, and that's largely because of these international names. For UAE players, these cricketers become role models — they observe how they prepare, what they do right, and even get to interact with them. Those small conversations about batting or bowling can be full of valuable insights, which our players try to implement. Let me give you one example: earlier, our players mostly played T20s and T10s. In T20s, bowlers deliver four overs — typically two up front and two at the death — and that's it. But in 50-over matches, it's different. Our fast bowlers used to perform well with the new ball in the first five overs, but in the final overs — after having fielded for 40-plus overs — they would give away 60 to 70 runs in the last five or six. Their bodies weren't used to that level of endurance. For instance, a bowler clocking 130+ km/h early in the innings would drop to under 120 km/h in the death overs simply due to fatigue. Now, they've realized the importance of fitness. They're hitting the gym, working on muscle strength, and improving their stamina — all lessons picked up from the ILT20 environment. So yes, the ILT20 has played a major role in improving our players — technically, mentally, and physically. 'Gutted': Sam Curran reflects on Desert Vipers' heartbreaking ILT20 final loss Can you take us through with some examples from the 'Khadoos brand of cricket'? I started red-ball cricket here — with the traditional white clothing and everything — to teach players the value of batting long and building innings. I told them, 'You have to bat 90 overs.' Their first reaction was disbelief — 'Who's going to bat for 90 overs?' They just weren't used to it. So I added a reward: anyone who manages to bat the full 90 overs would be considered for the national team camp. You won't believe it — we played four games and I saw four or five players batting for 40 overs. That made me so happy. When a player was set and had batted long, I used to retire him just to give others a chance. For example, Zohaib Khan , a left-hander, was batting on 70 when I retired him. Then there was Tariq Ahmed , a young batter, who also got into the 70s. Alishan Sharafu batted beautifully and was well past 70 as well. So a lot of them took up the challenge seriously. The message I gave them was simple: if you're set, don't throw away your wicket. If you get out before 20 runs, I won't say anything — that could just be a good ball. But if you're on 30 or 40 and still get out, it likely means you're making a mistake — maybe a lapse in concentration or fatigue. That's where fitness comes in. If you're not physically strong, your legs get tired and your decision-making suffers. What's encouraging is that this mindset is changing. Players are now developing that 'khadoos' attitude — the determination not to give their wicket away easily. I always tell them: value your wicket. Once you start doing that, you grow as a cricketer. We're seeing progress, and we'll keep building on it because cricket is a game of continuous improvement. Now we're preparing for two major milestones. First, we've qualified for the Asia Cup after 10–15 years, which is a huge moment for UAE cricket. It's a big opportunity for our players to compete against top teams like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Second, we're in the final stage of T20 World Cup qualifiers — three of the nine teams will go through, and we're working extremely hard to be one of them. And finally, we're targeting qualification for the 2027 50-over World Cup. That's one of our long-term goals. That's also why I've revived red-ball cricket — so our players can learn to play long innings, improve their fitness, and develop the temperament needed for the longer formats. We're laying the foundation now for future success.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Want to bring Mumbai's 'Khadoos' cricket mindset to the UAE team: Lalchand Rajput
UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput expressed his desire to instill Mumbai's fierce 'Khadoos' cricket mindset in the UAE team. Over the years, he has served as head coach of India, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and now the United Arab Emirates. He was also the cricket manager of the Indian team that clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007. A former India international, Rajput represented the country in two Tests and four ODIs between 1985 and 1987. Read More
