Unmukt Chand, the former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain who led his team to glory in 2012, remains one of cricket’s most intriguing stories of unfulfilled potential. Once hailed as the next big star in Indian cricket, Chand’s career took an unexpected turn when he decided to pursue opportunities in USA cricket.
For cricket enthusiasts wondering about his current status, this comprehensive guide explores whether Unmukt Chand is actively representing the United States and what lies ahead for this talented batsman.
Is Unmukt Chand Playing For The USA?
The answer is NO. Unmukt Chand is not currently playing for the USA national team despite being eligible since 2024. Although he moved to America in 2021 with aspirations of representing the USA in international cricket, he has faced consistent rejection from selectors.
His exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad and subsequent series has left many questioning his prospects with the American national team. Let’s explore the context behind this situation, his performances, and what the future might hold.
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.
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
Despite consistently performing well in American domestic cricket, Unmukt Chand has struggled to convert his form into a national team selection. In Minor League Cricket (MiLC), he accumulated over 1,500 runs in 45 innings, establishing himself as the second-highest run-scorer in the league’s history.
His Major League Cricket performances have been noteworthy, including match-winning contributions for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. During the 2024 MLC season, he delivered a crucial 68 off 45 balls against Texas Super Kings, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in America’s premier cricket competition.
However, these performances haven’t translated into national team recognition. His exclusion from the USA’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad came as a significant blow, especially considering the tournament was co-hosted by the United States. The snub was particularly painful given that teammates like Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh received call-ups.
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 faces a crossroads in his cricket career. His continued exclusion from USA squads raises questions about his international future, but several factors suggest his journey isn’t over.
The American cricket landscape continues evolving rapidly, with Major League Cricket (MLC) gaining momentum and the USA co-hosting the T20 World Cup, demonstrating the country’s growing cricket ambitions. This expansion could create new opportunities for experienced players like Chand.
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: Unmukt Chand Is Currently Not in the USA Squad
While Unmukt Chand isn’t currently playing for the USA national team, his journey in American cricket continues. His retirement from Indian cricket in 2021 and subsequent move to pursue opportunities in USA cricket reflect his determination to revive his international career.
Despite consistent domestic performances in Major League Cricket and Minor League Cricket, he has faced repeated selection disappointments, including exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
However, the rapidly growing American cricket ecosystem, along with his continued strong performances, may yet fulfill his international aspirations. As USA cricket continues developing, experienced players like Unmukt Chand could find opportunities to contribute at the highest level.
FAQs
Unmukt Chand became eligible to represent the USA national cricket team in March 2024, three years after retiring from Indian cricket.
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, despite being eligible, Unmukt Chand was not selected for the USA squad for the 2024 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.
