IPL is like homecoming for veteran cricketers: Lalchand Rajput

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a success story ever since its induction. The league has played a crucial role in transforming the landscape of cricket in the nation. It has provided and unearthed numerous talents who have gone on to succeed on the international stage.With a stature as that the IPL has attained, it’s true that the league has its share of revelries. But the tournament is not only about parties, glamour, auctions and strategic time-outs. It is also a ground for former cricketers to return to their craft.

The IPL has been successful in garnering the services of veteran internationals like John Buchanan, John Wright and Trevor Bayliss, and even player-turned-coaches such as Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis. The league has provided a platform for veteran cricketers to contribute to the sport. And ahead of the new season former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput is all set to make an impact.

Rajput, who played a major role in shaping up the Afghanistan national team, was a part of the Mumbai Indians set-up in the inaugural season of the IPL. Recollecting his IPL stint, the 56-year-old was quoted by Sportstar as saying, “So much happened in the inaugural edition; Sachin (Tendulkar) was not available for a few matches, that we lost and then, Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth got into the slap controversy. But overall, it was a great experience. If you can come back and return your expertise to the game you love, nothing is better than that.”

“If a team needs me, I am available too. IPL changes the atmosphere of the dressing room with so many international players. As a coach, we never had the chance to meet internationals, as you would either be with the Indian team or a state team,” added Rajput.

He feels Afghanistan’s Zahir Khan as a prospect, “I think they are very talented and T20 suits their style of play. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi already made a name for themselves. Zahir Khan is a prospect too. IPL may give birth to role models in Afghanistan. It will boost future players.”

Magnanimous contribution to the Afghanistan cricket set-up

Under coach Rajput, Afghanistan has enjoyed huge success which included winning a full-membership from International Cricket Council (ICC) which now allows them to play Test cricket. In ODI and T20 Internationals, the Afghans won six out of their 10 series’ under Rajput including wins over Ireland and Zimbabwe. They lost a series to Bangladesh but defeated West Indies in an ODI which is their first win over a Test-playing nation other than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.