2012 U-19 World Cup Winner Unmukt Chand Quits Indian Cricket

India and Delhi cricketer and the 2012 U-19 World Cup-winning skipper Unmukt Chand has announced his retirement from Indian cricket.

Chand took to his official Twitter account on Friday afternoon and in a series of tweets, he revealed his decision to quit Indian cricket as he looks to salvage his dream of playing International cricket, reportedly 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 as a natural successor to another Delhi lad in Virat Kohli, who had famously led India to U19 World Cup glory in 2008 before going on to achieve success at the international level.

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.

With the younger generation leapfrogging him in the pegging order, Chand soon became a forgotten man in Indian cricket.

With his chances of representing India well nigh impossible, Unmukt Chand has taken a tough call to quit Indian cricket and possibly move to the US to realize his dream of playing top-level cricket.

Unmukt Chand Announces Retirement From Indian Cricket:

In a series of tweets, Chand posted a video compilation of his cricket career besides posting a heartfelt note where he thanked the DDCA, BCCI, his family, and his fans for their unrelenting support over the years.

“Cricket is a universal game and even though the means might change, the end goal is still the same- to play cricket at the highest level,” wrote Unmukt Chand.

“Also, a huge thanks to all my supporters and well wishers for always carrying me in their heart. There is no better feeling than being loved and appreciated for who you are. I feel eternally blessed to have such a genuine family. Thank you everyone. Looking forward to the next chapter.” he added.

T2- On to the next innings of my life #JaiHind?? pic.twitter.com/8yK7QBHtUZ

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 13, 2021

The rest of the excerpts of Chand’s statement can be read here:

T1- On to the next innings of my life #JaiHind?? pic.twitter.com/fEEJ9xOdlt

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 13, 2021

 As far as his stats are concerned, Unmukt Chand featured in 67 FC, 120 List A, and 77 T20 games, scoring 3379, 4509, and 1565 runs at an average of 31.57, 41.33, and 22.35 respectively which includes a total of 53 half-centuries and 18 tons.

T3- On to the next innings of my life #JaiHind?? pic.twitter.com/w84kWeCqhM

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 13, 2021

He also featured in 21 IPL games, managing just 300 runs at an average of 15 at a strike rate of 100.

T4- On to the next innings of my life #JaiHind??@BCCI pic.twitter.com/z0VxnS4rwG

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 13, 2021

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