Big Bash League: Unmukt Chand Signs For Melbourne Renegades

India’s 2012 U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand becomes the first Indian player to sign for Big Bash League franchise Melbourne Renegades.

On Thursday, Renegades confirmed the signing of the Indian batter for its upcoming season in December.

Chand, 28, never got an opportunity to represent India in the international arena but played 67 First-Class and 77 T20 matches for Delhi.

It’s great to be part of the Melbourne Renegades family: Unmukt Chand

The Delhi-born cricketer said that he was excited to be a part of Aaron Finch-led Melbourne Renegades and is looking forward to play for them.

“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,” Chand said, as reported by Cricketnext.

“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.

Unmukt Chand retired from Indian cricket in August

Earlier in August, Chand took to his official Twitter account, and in a series of tweets, he revealed his decision to quit Indian cricket as he intended to salvage his dream of playing international cricket, for the United States of America.

Unmukt Chand’s greatest day as a professional cricket came in August 2012 when he smashed an unbeaten 130-ball 111 against Australia in the U-19 World Cup final to lead India to yet another triumph in Youth cricket.

Chand became an overnight sensation as fans declared him another great Indian batter next to his then Delhi teammate Virat Kohli, who also rised from the ranks of the U19 World Cup after leading India to glory in 2008.

But, unfortunately for Unmukt Chand, things didn’t pan out that way as he failed to back up his 2012 WC exploits with consistent performances in domestic cricket or in the IPL.

He was cleaned by Brett Lee on the first ball of the 2013 IPL, and perhaps that was a start of a consistent downward spiral for the Delhi cricketer.

Chand’s best memory of playing cricket for India was scoring 111 against Australia in the U-19 World Cup final.

Also Read: Unmukt Chand Confirms Signing A Three-Year Deal With Major League Cricket In USA