Rahul Chopra has been appointed as the new captain of the UAE men’s ODI team following Muhammad Waseem’s resignation. Chopra will lead the team at the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2 tri-series in Oman against the hosts and Netherlands in November.
Waseem Steps Down to Focus on Batting
After 26 matches as ODI captain from 2023 to 2024, Waseem decided to step down, citing his desire to focus on his batting. “I have decided to step down as captain to concentrate on my batting in the ODI format,” said Waseem, who will continue to be a part of the squad. “My best wishes are with the new captain, and I will be giving him my full support.”
Rahul Chopra’s New Challenge
The wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra, who has only played seven ODIs and six T20Is, now faces the challenge of leading UAE. The upcoming CWC League 2 series in Oman will test his leadership as he aims to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Waseem’s Captaincy Record
The 30-year-old Muhammad Waseem took over the captaincy from CP Rizwan during the 2019-23 CWC League 2, starting with a match against Nepal in March 2023. Under his leadership, the UAE managed to win only seven of their 26 ODIs while suffering 19 losses. Waseem’s performance stood out in the victories, where he averaged 64.28, scoring his only century, a 119 vs Papua New Guinea, and three half-centuries. However, in the matches lost, his average dipped to 21.10, closer to his career average of 25.44.
UAE’s Recent Struggles in CWC League 2
The UAE team is currently competing in the 2024-27 edition of the CWC League 2, where they find themselves at the bottom of the eight-team table. The team’s recent form has been poor, with just one win in their first seven games. In Waseem’s last game as captain, the UAE suffered an eight-wicket loss to Namibia, folding for 190 runs.
Waseem’s Role in the T20I Format
Despite stepping down from the ODI captaincy, Waseem remains an integral part of the UAE T20I squad. He recently played a key role in helping the team win the tri-series in Namibia, where they competed against USA and Namibia. Waseem emerged as the top scorer in the tournament with 159 runs in four innings, leading the UAE to three victories in four matches.
UAE Cricket’s Path Forward
With Rahul Chopra at the helm, the UAE will look to improve their performance in the ongoing CWC League 2 and climb up the table. Chopra’s leadership will be tested as he aims to bring consistency to the side, starting with the upcoming series in Oman.
The UAE’s ODI team now enters a new chapter with Chopra as captain, and the focus will be on reviving the team’s fortunes as they continue their journey in international cricket.