Unmukt Chand, the former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain of 2012, remains one of cricket’s most talked-about talents. Once tipped as a future star of Indian cricket, his career took a different path when he moved to the United States to explore professional opportunities.
For fans curious about his current journey, this guide looks at Chand’s performances in American domestic cricket, his Major League Cricket experiences, and the ongoing uncertainty about his chances with the USA national team.
Is Unmukt Chand Playing For The USA?
As of 2026, Unmukt Chand is not currently playing for the USA national cricket team, despite becoming eligible to represent the United States after his move and residency qualification. He has been active in American domestic leagues (such as Major League Cricket with the Los Angeles Knight Riders), but he has not featured in the official USA national squad for international matches like the T20 World Cup or other tours, and was missing from the 2026 World Cup squad and other series selections.
n the USA’s 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad, Unmukt Chand’s name again did not appear, as selectors opted for a mix of players led by captain Monank Patel, including new additions like Shehan Jayasuriya and Mohammad Mohsin.
Unmukt Chand’s Retirement From Indian Cricket
The transition from promising young captain to seeking opportunities abroad wasn’t straightforward for Unmukt Chand. In August 2021, he made the difficult decision to retire from Indian cricket after years of struggling to break into the senior national team despite his early success.
Several factors contributed to his departure from India. Chand faced ongoing issues with his state association from 2018 onwards, including being dropped from the Delhi squad despite representing India A. The lack of consistent opportunities in the IPL and domestic cricket, combined with what he perceived as non-cricketing considerations affecting his selection, ultimately led him to explore international opportunities elsewhere.
His move to the USA represented a fresh start – a chance to revive his international cricket ambitions in a rapidly growing cricket market. The decision wasn’t taken lightly, as it meant permanently closing the door on any future with Indian cricket.
Journey In The USA Cricket
Since relocating to America, Unmukt Chand has immersed himself in the developing cricket ecosystem. He initially signed with Silicon Valley Strikers in the Minor Cricket League (MCL), marking the beginning of his American cricket journey.
Chand later joined the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket, continuing his professional career in the U.S. and showcasing his batting skills in multiple seasons, including notable innings in the 2025 campaign, even as he continues to pursue international opportunities.
His participation extended to Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), where he became the first Indian player to feature in the tournament after signing with Melbourne Renegades. Although his BBL stint was brief – playing just two matches and scoring 35 runs – it demonstrated his commitment to exploring global opportunities.
The Major League Cricket (MLC) became a significant platform for Chand when he joined the Los Angeles Knight Riders, the sister franchise of the Kolkata Knight Riders. His involvement in America’s premier T20 competition provided him with high-visibility matches and the opportunity to showcase his abilities to USA selectors.
Unmukt Chand’s Recent Performances
Unmukt Chand has not yet made his debut for the USA national side despite continuing to perform well in American domestic cricket. In Minor League Cricket (MiLC), he has now scored more than 1,700 runs in 50 innings, making him one of the most consistent batsmen in the league.
In Major League Cricket (MLC), Chand has been performing consistently for the Los Angeles Knight Riders, and his innings have often turned out to be match-winners for his team. In the 2025 and initial 2026 season, he has been performing exceptionally well, and his match-winning knock of 86 against the Seattle Thunderbolts* is just one example of his brilliant performance.
| Tournament | Matches | Innings | Runs | HS | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major League Cricket | 19 | 19 | 528 | 86* | 29.33 | 118.91 |
Although Unmukt Chand has been performing well in domestic cricket, he has not yet been able to make it to the USA national team. Not being selected for the T20 World Cup 2024 and 2026, was a disappointment for him, as players such as Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh were chosen over him.
The pattern continued with his omission from subsequent series, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 ODI Series in the Netherlands and the T20I series against Canada. Despite his domestic cricket success, USA selectors have repeatedly overlooked his contributions.
What’s Next For Unmukt?
At 31, Unmukt Chand stands at a pivotal point in his cricket career. Despite repeated omissions from USA squads, his consistent domestic performances indicate that opportunities could still arise for him on the international stage.
With Major League Cricket (MLC) continuing to grow, the American cricket scene is expanding rapidly. This evolution may open doors for experienced players like Chand to contribute at higher levels and potentially secure a national call-up in the future.
His focus remains on domestic performance excellence, using each MLC season to prove his worth to selectors. The competitive nature of American cricket means consistent performers eventually get recognition, and Chand’s experience in high-pressure situations could prove valuable.
Training under his childhood coach in Maharashtra during the World Cup period showed his commitment to continuous improvement. His mental resilience in dealing with selection disappointments while maintaining performance levels indicates a mature approach to his career challenges.
The door remains open for future USA team selection, particularly as the squad continues evolving and new series provide fresh opportunities for inclusion.
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Conclusion: As of 2026, Unmukt Chand Remains Outside The USA National Cricket Team
Right now, Unmukt Chand isn’t part of the USA national squad, but his cricket journey in America continues. Since moving from India in 2021, he has focused on building a new chapter in the U.S., demonstrating resilience and determination to keep his international ambitions alive.
Despite strong performances in Major League and Minor League Cricket, missing out on the T20 World Cup 2024 and 2026 squads was a setback. Yet with USA cricket expanding rapidly and more opportunities emerging, Chand’s experience and hunger mean he could still return to the international stage. His journey is a testament to passion and perseverance, showing that the dream remains alive wherever the game takes him.
FAQs
Unmukt Chand became eligible to play for the USA in 2024 after completing his residency requirements.
He has played for Silicon Valley Strikers (Minor Cricket League) and Los Angeles Knight Riders (Major League Cricket) since moving to the USA. While in India, he played for Delhi State Team, India Under-19, India A, and a few IPL teams like Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians
No, Unmukt Chand was not selected for the USA squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup tournament.
He scored over 1,500 runs in 45 innings, making him the second-highest run-scorer in Minor League Cricket history.
Yes, he played in Australia’s Big Bash League for Melbourne Renegades, becoming the first Indian to participate in the tournament.
