The UAE cricket team is brimming with quiet confidence as it gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, with head coach Lalchand Rajput insisting his side is ready to challenge the giants of Asian cricket.
Having recently registered eye-catching wins over Test-playing nations, including Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Rajput believes the UAE players now carry the self-belief needed to compete at the highest level.
“Beating Test-playing countries, especially Bangladesh, has given us a lot of confidence,” Rajput said. “It’s not overconfidence — it’s about believing we can compete and win against anyone.”
Before the Asia Cup, the UAE will test themselves in the upcoming Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan and Afghanistan in Sharjah. Rajput views these high-pressure games as vital preparation, giving his squad a chance to sharpen their skills against world-class opposition.
“Playing these top-ranked teams provides a big platform. It’s a chance for our players to understand themselves and build momentum heading into the Asia Cup,” he explained.
The UAE faces a daunting task in Group A of the Asia Cup, drawn alongside India, Pakistan, and Oman. Yet Rajput remains optimistic, highlighting the unpredictability of T20 cricket.
“You never know — anything can happen. We can upset any team,” he said with a smile.
To back those words with action, the UAE has been focusing heavily on fitness and discipline. Evening training sessions have been designed to help players adapt to the summer heat, while technical drills and fielding sessions are being pushed to international standards. The squad continues to undergo fitness assessments, including the yo-yo test, with injured players like Jawad only considered once fully fit.
“Fitness is very important. Players’ improvement and form are essential — they cannot remain stagnant. We want to keep building momentum,” Rajput stressed.
The combination of confidence, conditioning, and mental toughness, Rajput believes, could help UAE spring a surprise or two in the tournament.
“If you can beat a team like Bangladesh, why not aim for bigger upsets? Our players are excited and ready to take on that challenge,” the head coach concluded.
With home advantage and rising confidence, the UAE might just become the dark horse of this year’s Asia Cup.
