Unmukt Chand retires at 28, joins Major League Cricket in America

Unmukt Chand, the ex-India U-19 captain has bid adieu to Indian cricket at just 28. He has left India for new opportunities with his career in cricket. Chand has signed up with the Silicon Valley Strikers in America for the upcoming season.

The 2012 Under-19 World Cup winning captain was marked as the next Virat Kohli of Indian cricket. Perhaps, every cricket pundit had assumed his career would follow the footpaths of Virat Kohli. However, the reality was tough for Delhi's opening batsman.

Unkumt Chand was a known name in Indian cricket until has dramatic failures continued in Indian Premier League and domestic circuit.  Life became tough for him when he was dropped from the Delhi Ranji Team. Though he tired his luck in team like Uttarakhand. But, last few years have been tough for him.

"Things have not been as smooth in the last few years and opportunities have been denied.

Chand on last few years of cricket

Chand, who has relocated himself in San Francisco Bay Area has signed a multi-year contract with Major League Cricket to help them grow their cricket.  He will make his Minor League debut against the Socal Lashings on Saturday.

? NEWS: @UnmuktChand9 has joined Major League Cricket with a multi-year agreement to play & support the growth of cricket in ??.

Unmukt joins the @sv_strikers for this #MinorLeagueCricket season and will play this weekend!

Welcome, Unmukt! ➡️ https://t.co/COuICeJYU6 pic.twitter.com/B14nlN4d0Z

— Minor League Cricket (@MiLCricket) August 13, 2021

While talking about his new journey Chand has said, "I don't know how I should be feeling cause honestly I am still figuring it out". "The very thought of not being able to represent my country again literally stops my heartbeat for a while, he added.

Unmukt Chand played for three franchise in IPL; Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. But did not had a great run in any of them. Though he had great start in his domestic career, but failed to continue it after the IPL failures. However, in between he became the leader of the India-A side. He did find some success there as a leader there.

"Personally there have been quite a few glorious moments in my cricketing journey in India. Winning the U-19 World cup for India is one of the biggest moments of my life. It was a special feeling to lift the cup as a captain and bring smiles to so many Indians across the world. I can never forget that feeling. Also, leading India A on numerous occasions and winning various bilateral and tri-series are etched in my memory forever."

Unkumut Chand on his career

T3- On to the next innings of my life #JaiHind?? pic.twitter.com/w84kWeCqhM

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 13, 2021

If we talk about stats, Unkmut Chand scored 3379 runs at an average of 31.57 in the domestic circuit. Chand went on to score 4505 runs at an average of 41.33 in 120 List-A games. Meanwhile his T20 career was not that great. He could only score 1565 runs at an average of 22.35 and a strike rate of 116.09 in 77 games.

"Though a part of me is not at peace with the way things have unfolded in the last few years, I still choose to see the silver lining and with fond memories bid adieu to BCCI and seek better opportunities around the world. Cricket is a universal game and even though the means might change, the end goal is still the same - to play cricket at the highest level."

Unmukt Chand on saying good-bye to BCCI and finding opportunities in USA