The U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand has become the first Indian male cricketer to sign for Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Chand, who will represent the Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming season, announced his retirement from Indian cricket in August this year.
He was the captain of India’s 2012 U19 World Cup-winning team but failed to seal his place in the senior team and he had announced his retirement to explore ‘better opportunities from around the world.’ And, his signing in the BBL will certainly help him in his career as well.
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“I’m very excited, it’s great to be part of the Melbourne Renegades family,” Unmukt Chand said. “I’ve always followed the Big Bash and it’s a great opportunity for me to come and play some good cricket. I’m really looking forward to coming to Melbourne and to get going. I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia. I haven’t been to Melbourne before… I know for a fact there are lots of Indians in Melbourne, so it’s going to be nice, and I hope the crowds turn up for games as well.”
Big news… @UnmuktChand9 🔒
The former India A and India U19 captain is officially a Renegade!#GETONRED
— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) November 4, 2021
However, Chand is currently staying in the United States. He was named player of the tournament while playing for the Silicon Valley Strikers in the Minor League Cricket title last month. And, he will travel to Australia later this month for the tournament. On the other hand, Renegades coach David Saker also depend on Chand’s experience and wished him all the success for the upcoming BBL season as well.
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“He brings a wealth of cricket experience,” coach David Saker said of Chand. “To have a player joining our team who has represented three IPL teams and led his country at ‘A’ and Under 19 level is fantastic. As a batter, Unmukt is dynamic and can change games quickly. He has spent much of his career at the top of the order, but we believe he has the flexibility to fill a variety of roles as we need.”
“I’ve always wanted to play in leagues like these and it’s great that now I have this opportunity to be representing the Renegades in the Big Bash, so for me it’s big. I really look forward to contributing as much as I can on the field. I’ll give it my best shot,” Unmukt Chand concluded.
