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Melbourne Renegades sign up Unmukt Chand in first Indian men signing for Big Bash League

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Former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand is set to be the first Indian men cricketer to play in the Big Bash League as he has been signed by the Melbourne Renegades for the next edition of the tournament.

Notably, Unmukt Chand had announced his retirement as an India player and moved to play in the USA and hence he did not need any permission or no objection certificate from the BCCI. Chand opened on the “difficult to accept” fact about not playing for the country again but nevertheless, he is cherishing the freedom to play in all leagues across the world.

"It wasn't easy, to be very honest, the fact that I won't be playing for the country anymore is something that is difficult to accept. But I enjoying playing for the US, it's been getting better every day. And I can now play all the leagues around the world, that's a great opportunity for me personally.

On his upcoming stint with the Renegades, Chand said that he is looking to earn a name for himself in the Big Bash and help the men in red to win the championship.

"I've loved watching the Big Bash and players around the world coming in ... it's a great platform and I always wanted to play there. I'm really looking forward in the coming years that I can make a name for myself and hopefully win championships for the teams I play for. 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 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."

The Renegades coach David Saker is banking on the “wealth of experience” that Chand is bringing with himself after leading India Under 19 side and A sides on multiple occasions and flexibility with the bat. He said that the right-hander has the capability to turn things around quickly and the Renegades are looking forward towards him with various roles in their minds.

"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,” Saker said.

Unmukt Chand could not play for the senior India side as his stocks could sustain at the highest level after the highs of the Under 19 world cup triumph in 2012. He led the India U-19 side to the championship title on the back of a stupendous century in the final of the World Cup in 2012. He was picked up by the then Delhi Daredevils, the Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals but his bat did not do justice to the talent and promises he offered at the start of his career.

 

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