Watch: Unmukt Chand Departs For A 3-Ball Duck On Minor Cricket League Debut

Unmukt Chand did not get a positive start to his cricket career in the USA as he was gone for a duck during his debut match of the Minor Cricket League. Unmukt Chand, who was the captain of the India-U 19 world cup-winning team in 2012, had announced on Friday (August 13) that he is retiring from Indian cricket. He also signed a three-year deal with Minor League Cricket, a T20I cricket league of the USA.

Hence, the former Delhi cricketer will play for the USA from now. Earlier, his 2012 U-19 World Cup teammates wicketkeeper-batsman Smit Patel and left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh also became a part of the USA cricket tournament. Chand, who was once expected to be India’s next cricket star, could not make a debut for the senior national team after his poor show at the Domestic level and Indian Premier League post his 2012 U-19 World Cup stint.

Watch: Unmukt Chand Departs For A 3-Ball Duck On Minor Cricket League Debut

Chand is part of Silicon Valley Strikers in the T20 competition. The team faced San Diego Surf Riders in a recent encounter, where Unmukt Chand made his debut.  Batting as an opener in the game, the right-handed batsman lost this wicket for a three-ball duck. He was dismissed by Zubair Murad of San Diego Surf Riders. Have a look at the video below.

I don't think Unmukt Chand will be sharing this on his Instagram Stories anytime soon. Third-ball duck on @MiLCricket debut for the ex-India 2012 U19 World Cup winning captain. He was opening the batting for Silicon Valley Strikers in Morgan Hill, California today. pic.twitter.com/El0G1fLmP1

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) August 15, 2021

Later, Chand’s team Silicon Valley Strikers put up 156/4 on the scoreboard with a 74-run knock by Shehan Jayasuriya- a former Sri Lanka international cricketer who shifted to the USA to start his career with the country. Batting 2nd, Riders could only reach 141/4 in 20 overs and lost the match by 15 runs.

After bidding goodbye to Indian cricket, Unmukt Chand had said that he will be looking for better opportunities around the world.

“I would like to say that things have not been as smooth in the last few years and opportunities have been denied. 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,” he wrote hinting that he may be open to representing another country at the international level in the future”, Chand had said.

Announcing his new journey with Minor League Cricket, Chand mentioned in a statement that he is excited to have the opportunity to play for Strikers in Minor League Cricket.

“I’m delighted to take the next step in my cricket career by being part of the long-term growth of American cricket and the launch of Major League Cricket. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play for the Strikers in Minor League Cricket starting this weekend and help grow the sport locally in the Bay Area, where I have already seen impressive passion for the game of cricket,” Chand wrote.