Having coached the Afghanistan cricket team from 2016 to 2017 — a period that saw them make rapid strides in world cricket — Rajput shares an emotional bond with the Afghans.
They won six out of 10 limited-overs series with Rajput in charge and went on to gain Test status as well.
“Yes, it’s definitely scary to see the images on television from Afghanistan. Some of the videos you see are really disturbing,” Rajput told TOI on Monday from Harare.
The former India opener quit the Afghanistan job after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) asked him to come to Kabul. For the last three years, he’s been the Zimbabwe coach.
“Whatever happens, happens for the best. I moved on from Afghanistan and I am happy that I got an opportunity to work with Zimbabwe cricket since I didn’t continue with Afghanistan,” said the Mumbaikar.
Rajput hoped that Taliban will not harm cricket.
“I am sure that they will support cricket as it is Afghanistan’s biggest sport. It brings lots of happiness in Afghan people’s lives. I am in touch with most of the players. I spoke to them today. They were confident that cricket will not be disturbed,” he concluded.