When India take the field against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday (September 10), they won't be only up against the players on the field but also a familiar face in the opposing dugout. The UAE side is coached by Lalchand Rajput, a respected figure in Indian cricket, who has been coaching the team since February 2024. Under his guidance, UAE won the 2024 ACC Premier Cup and booked their spot in the Asia Cup after a nine-year wait. Who is Lalchand Rajput? UAE coach Lalchand Rajput will be up against India, the team of his country of origin today, whom he coached to the T20 World Cup truimph in 2007 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cliNZPEF8o — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 10, 2025 Rajput is one of the fruits of Mumbai cricket, which has given India some of its all-time greats. As an opening batsman, he had a great domestic career, aggregating 7,988 runs from 110 first-class games at a remarkable average of 49.30, with 20 centuries to his credit. Internationally, he played two Tests for India against Sri Lanka in 1985 when he achieved a half-century, and also four ODIs between 1985 and 1987. Also Read | IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025: 16 Indians Players, 1 Pakistani Captain in Rare Clash Though his playing career was notable, Rajput really established himself as a coach and mentor. He was first in the limelight in 2007 as India's U-19 coach on a tour of England. Subsequently, between Greg Chappell's departure and Gary Kirsten's arrival, he was appointed as the manager of the Indian senior team. Actively performing the function of an interim head coach, Rajput was a member of the legendary MS Dhoni-led team which shocked the world by winning the first T20 World Cup in 2007. His calm hand of authority was also welcomed during the "Monkeygate" Test series in Australia, for which he provided critical support. India would go on to make history by winning the 2008 CB Series during his tenure. He quickly went on to become the first head coach of the Mumbai Indians (MI) during the inaugural season of the IPL. Rajput's coaching journey became international when he was handed the reins of Afghanistan in 2016, succeeding Inzamam-ul-Haq, and also handled Zimbabwe for almost four years from 2018 to 2022. In 2024, he was challenged by the UAE cricket task, and within a year, led them back to the big stage of cricket at the Asia Cup. Now, with India playing UAE, it is a special reunion with one of the men who has been a part of creating iconic moments in Indian cricket.