Consistent top-order batsman Muhammad Waseem, who led the UAE men’s ODI through 26 matches, has officially quit being the skipper. Waseem opted for more batting performance in the ODI format. Though relinquishing the role of being the UAE men’s ODI captain, Waseem is to remain an active squad member, supporting new captain Rahul Chopra with all force.
How Cricket Described an Ideal Leader for the UAE Men’s Cricket Team? Chopra is a wicket-keeping batter who takes responsibility in stride. He has played only seven ODIs and six T20Is. He will make his debut as the UAE men’s ODI captain in early November as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 games in Oman. The new skipper will lead the side against hosts Oman and the Netherlands. Hence, this is not only a start but an important one for Chopra’s tenure as a leader.
All you should know about UAE men’s ODI captain
Rahul Chopra born on November 7, 1994, is a wicketkeeper, aged 29 years, and a right-handed batsman. With time, he has been gaining much attention in the UAE national team since his debut at the start of 2024. Rahul Chopra’s wicket-keeper fielding depicts his agility, with quick reactions, skills that have been called for with his teams of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Johannesburg Buffaloes, and Northern Warriors.
In the ODIs, Chopra has played 7 matches with 139 runs at an average of 19.85 and with a top score of 52. One may note that in T20 Internationals, his form has been rather more consistent with an average of 35.50 from six matches and an unbeaten 36 being his top score. He is also known to be sharp behind the stumps and has caught a total of six catches in T20 Internationals and 3 catches in ODIs, hence proving to be reliable in that position.
He started his professional career with his ODI debut for the UAE against Canada in February 2024, and he has generally progressed well in both formats. His recent performances have starred some notable innings in the International League T20 underlining how he can anchor innings and provide stability at the right time. Chopra is a bright pick as a new UAE men’s ODI captain.
When did Waseem become UAE’s ODI skipper?
Waseem was handed the reins as UAE men’s ODI captain in March 2023 to replace CP Rizwan during the 2019-23 CWC League 2 tournament. Overall during his ODI leadership stint, the top-order batter managed to win only seven of the 26 matches. In the wins, Waseem was an outstanding batsman, averaging 64.28 while striking only one of his match-high three centuries in ODIs, scoring 119 against Papua New Guinea. It was the season of inconsistency, though, as it saw the team shed off 19 games while Waseem’s average was nearer to his career benchmark of 25.44.
He seems to be under pressure due to the poor performances from the UAE in the ongoing 2024-27 CWC League 2. At present, the UAE is at the bottom of the eight-team table having won just one out of their seven games. Waseem’s last outing as captain was a heavy loss to Namibia while they made 190 as the opponents won by eight wickets.
The ex-ODI captain stepped down from leadership in ODI cricket but is still an integral part of UAE’s T20I side. He has topped the scores in the Namibia tri-series lately with UAE taking three out of four encounters and emerging on top before USA and Namibia. In that respect, transitioning from being captain of the UAE men’s ODI will harden his batting focus and bring in fresh momentum under the leadership of Chopra.
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