.svg){kind=small}
Unmukt Chand, a name synonymous with youthful exuberance and cricketing prowess, has been a beacon of hope for many young cricketers in India. Born as Unmukt Bharat Thakur Chand on March 26, 1993, in Delhi, he is a right-handed batsman known not just for his technique but also for his ability to handle pressure in crunch situations. His journey, from the streets of Delhi to the international cricket arena, is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and sheer love for the game.
Born and raised in the bustling city of Delhi, Unmukt's tryst with cricket began at a tender age. The city's cricketing culture, combined with his innate passion, molded him into a formidable player during his school days. His early achievements in school-level cricket were just a glimpse of the talent he possessed. Making a mark in the Delhi cricket circuit, he soon found himself representing the state in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. What's remarkable is that Chand made his Ranji debut while juggling his school commitments. His talent shone brightly when he scored a majestic 151 runs in just his fourth game, signaling his arrival in the domestic cricket scene.
Unmukt Chand's journey in domestic cricket is a blend of leadership, consistent performances, and an undying spirit. His leadership qualities were evident when he captained the India Under-19 team to a memorable victory in the 2012 World Cup. Facing the hosts Australia in the finals, Chand displayed immense maturity, scoring an unbeaten 111 and ensuring India's triumph. This wasn't a one-off performance; Chand had a knack for rising to the occasion, as evidenced by his three consecutive centuries in finals for the under-19 side.
His journey in the domestic circuit was studded with numerous achievements. Representing the India A team, Chand showcased his leadership and batting skills, leading the team to victories against formidable opponents like New Zealand A and Bangladesh A. His captaincy skills were further highlighted when he led the team to a Triangular series win in Chennai. Not just in the longer format, but Chand also made his mark in T20 cricket. His explosive 103 off 58 balls for Delhi against Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2016 reiterated his versatility as a batsman.
The transition from domestic to international cricket is a challenging one, filled with heightened expectations and intense scrutiny. Unmukt Chand's journey at the international level has been a roller-coaster ride. His achievements in the Under-19 World Cup and consistent domestic performances created anticipation among cricket enthusiasts. Many drew parallels between him and Virat Kohli, another prodigious talent from Delhi who led India to Under-19 World Cup glory.
Chand's international journey, while filled with moments of brilliance, also had its share of challenges. His aggressive approach, while often leading to match-winning performances, sometimes became his Achilles' heel. However, the world of cricket knows that Chand's potential is immense. With every game, he gathers experience, learns, and evolves, making him a player to watch out for in the future.
Unmukt Chand's cricketing journey is adorned with numerous accolades and records. His domestic and international statistics are a testament to his prowess:
First-Class Matches (FC): Played 67 matches, scoring 3,379 runs with an average of 31.57. His highest score in this format is 151, with 8 centuries and 16 half-centuries to his name.
List A: In 120 matches, Chand amassed 4,505 runs, averaging 41.33. His top score stands at 127, with 7 centuries and 32 fifties.
T20: Chand played 79 matches, scoring 1,600 runs at an average of 22.22. His highest T20 score is 125, and he has 3 centuries and 5 half-centuries in this format.
Beyond these statistics, Chand's leadership skills shone brightly when he captained the India U-19 team to victory in the 2012 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Australia. His match-winning knock of 111* in the final against Australia remains one of the highlights of his career. Furthermore, Chand's consistency was evident when he scored centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the ACC Under-19s Asia Cup, earning him the Man of the Match award in both games.
Like every sportsperson, Unmukt Chand faced his share of challenges. After a promising start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Delhi Daredevils in 2012, he faced a setback, getting out for a duck in his debut match. However, Chand's resilience saw him bouncing back, playing for teams like Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and later, the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash League.
In August 2021, Chand announced his retirement from playing cricket in India, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. He transitioned to Major League Cricket and continued to make his mark, topping the run-scorers list in 2021 with 612 runs from 16 innings.
Unmukt Chand's journey has now taken him beyond Indian shores. After his stint in the Big Bash League, he was signed by the Los Angeles Knight Riders for the inaugural Major League Cricket season. Additionally, in November 2022, Chand was selected to play for the Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League, becoming the first Indian to feature in the league.
Beyond his playing career, Chand has ventured into commentary, lending his voice during the 2020 U-19 Cricket World Cup finals and covering the Caribbean Premier League for Star Sports.
FAQs
When did Unmukt Chand announce his retirement from Indian cricket?
Chand announced his retirement in August 2021.
Which teams did Chand represent in the IPL?
He played for Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
What was Chand's role in the 2012 U-19 Cricket World Cup?
Chand captained the India U-19 team and played a match-winning knock of 111* in the final against Australia.
Has Unmukt Chand ventured into commentary?
Chand started commentating during the 2020 U-19 Cricket World Cup finals and has also covered the Caribbean Premier League.
Which Major League Cricket team did Chand sign up for?
Chand was signed by the Los Angeles Knight Riders for the inaugural Major League Cricket season.
