Unmukt Chand, the former India U19 World Cup-winning captain, is poised to make his international cricket debut for the USA, becoming eligible for selection in March. It is highly anticipated that he will be a key part of the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, and there is speculation that he might even lead the team given his well-established cricketing prowess.
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Unmukt expressed his eagerness to test himself against top-notch teams like India after relocating to the USA. Despite the unusual circumstance, he mentioned, “Since I’ve retired from India, my next goal was always to sort of play against India, and not in any bad blood but keen to test myself out against the best team in the world.”
Unmukt Chand relocated to the USA in 2021 and actively engaged in numerous tournaments thereafter, contributing to the cricketing landscape of his new home.Notably, in 2022, he achieved the milestone of becoming the first Indian player to feature in the Big Bash League, marking a significant moment in his cricketing journey.
The cricketer’s legacy began when he captained the India U19 team to victory in the 2012 World Cup, showcasing his leadership and batting prowess by remaining unbeaten on 111 in the final, chasing a target of 226. This accomplishment propelled him into the limelight, earning him a spot in the India A squad even before the World Cup concluded. Unmukt went on to captain India A’s white-ball team for an extended period but faced setbacks, losing his spot in the squad in 2016 and subsequently being dropped from Delhi’s Vijay Hazare team in 2017.
Undeterred, Unmukt Chand shifted to Uttarakhand, playing for them for one season before deciding to make the move to the USA in August 2021. During his tenure in Delhi, he not only captained the team but also found a place in India’s probable squads for the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2014 T20 World Cup, although he never got the opportunity to represent the national team.
Joining Unmukt in the USA are former U19 teammates Smit Patel and Harmeet Singh. Smit Patel, who played a crucial role in the 2012 U19 World Cup final by hitting the winning runs, also made the move to the USA a few years ago and is now eligible for selection. Harmeet Singh, another teammate from the ICC event, is set to contribute to the USA cricket team.
Unmukt Chand’s journey from leading the Indian U19 team to a World Cup triumph to forging a path in international cricket with the USA reflects the evolving landscape of the sport. As he prepares to don the USA jersey in the upcoming T20 World Cup, cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness how this seasoned player will fare against the best on the global stage, especially in a clash against his former team, India.
Unmukt Chand’s transition from leading the Indian U19 team to victory in the 2012 World Cup to now representing the USA adds a unique chapter to his cricketing saga. His resilience in the face of setbacks, including losing his place in Indian squads and domestic teams, showcases his determination and love for the game. Unmukt’s move to the USA not only provides him with a fresh start but also contributes to the growing diversity of cricket globally.
The inclusion of former U19 teammates Smit Patel and Harmeet Singh further enhances the USA cricket team’s profile, drawing attention to the country’s emerging cricketing talent. As these players prepare for the T20 World Cup, the cricketing world anticipates the clash between Unmukt Chand’s USA and his home country, India, adding an intriguing subplot to the tournament. Unmukt’s journey exemplifies the dynamic nature of cricket careers, offering inspiration to aspiring cricketers looking to overcome challenges and explore opportunities beyond traditional cricketing landscapes.