Lalchand Rajput: The UAE coach who became Scotland’s ‘McRajput’
Lalchand Rajput, the UAE national cricket coach, recalled his first day in Scotland in 1985 during his team's current tour. Upon arriving to find snow, he questioned whether cricket could even be played in such conditions. Now 64, Rajput had previously spent two seasons as a professional in Yorkshire, but that experience did not fully prepare him for the climate of eastern Scotland. After joining Perthshire and Strathmore, he spent 14 summer seasons playing club cricket in the country. Rajput noted that he was encouraged to try Scotland by an acquaintance who described it as a beautiful place. Arriving on a Friday, he scored a quick 20 runs against Edinburgh Accies the following day while wearing multiple layers of clothing. Graham Ferguson, his former Perthshire teammate, recalled that Rajput was chosen to open the batting after winning the toss. Ferguson noted that Rajput, struggling with the cold, intentionally got himself out to return to the dressing room, having been given his first-ever hand warmer by a club member. Ferguson described Rajput’s technical ability as 'almost flawless,' noting that while he was not a destructive player, his technique was of a very high standard. Rajput twice represented the Scotland select side, becoming the first Indian player to do so, followed later by Rahul Dravid. Signed by Perthshire in 1985 based on his strong record with the Mumbai state team alongside Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar, Rajput was called up to the Indian national team that same year. Although his international career lasted only two Tests, he scored a half-century on debut. This success led to his contract with Perthshire ending early, but he returned the following season and continued to play in Scotland for over a decade. In 1987, he played for Scotland against a touring Pakistan side featuring Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad, and participated in English domestic cup competitions. Rajput recalls that locals nicknamed him 'McRajput' and that he wore traditional tartan with pride. Reflecting on life off the pitch, Rajput noted the scarcity of Indian food in the 1980s, requiring frequent trips to Dundee—where the UAE team is currently playing—to source spices. He eventually grew fond of fish and chips as more Indian restaurants opened over time. Ferguson noted that Rajput formed lifelong friendships in Scotland, with his family also spending time there. Rajput, who has been reunited with old friends during the UAE tour, believes that the rise of the Indian Premier League and changes to UK immigration and work regulations have made it nearly impossible for Indian players to replicate the experience of playing club cricket in Britain today.