Unmukt Chand to become 1st Indian cricketer to play BBL

FORMER India U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand is set to become the first Indian cricketer to appear in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) after he signed for Melbourne Renegades for the 2021-22 season.

The 28-year-old batter, who led India to the title win in the 2012 U-19 World Cup, called it a day in his playing career in India earlier this year and is currently representing the United States team.

Chand, a former India ‘A’ skipper, had never been picked for the Indian senior team but has played for three franchises in the Indian Premier League, India’s annual marquee T20 competition, namely, Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.

Speaking about his upcoming campaign at BBL, Chand told Press Trust of India, “I’m very excited, it’s great to be part of the Melbourne Renegades family. 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,” he added.

It may be added here that Chand had led India to the U-19 title win in Australia and he had slammed an unbeaten hundred in the final of that tournament against the hosts. A number of players of that Australian side now stars in the BBL, including Travis Head and Ashton Turner.

Saying that the BBL opens for him a big career opportunity, Chand said, “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.”

The Renegades, who won the 2018-19 season of the BBL, expressed delight over the joining of Chand in their camp.

“We're delighted to have Unmukt joining the Renegades and see him being an important part of our group,” Renegades head coach David Saker said.

“He brings a wealth of cricket experience. 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 added.

Chand will play under the leadership of Australia’s limited-over captain Aaron Finch and his colleagues will include the likes of Shaun Marsh and James Pattinson, among others.