Unmukt Chand, the celebrated former India U19 World Cup-winning captain, recently faced a significant career setback when he was not selected for the USA’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. This snub came despite his impressive performances in T20 leagues and Minor League Cricket (MiLC), underscoring the often harsh realities of professional sports. For Unmukt, who moved to the USA with dreams of playing international cricket, this omission was a tough pill to swallow.
Unmukt Chand first made headlines as the captain of India’s U19 team, leading them to victory in the 2012 U19 World Cup. His career, which seemed poised for greatness in Indian cricket, took an unexpected turn when he announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket in September 2021. Seeking new opportunities, Unmukt relocated to the United States, aiming to revive his international career on a different stage.
Unmukt’s journey in the USA began on August 14, 2021, with his debut in Minor League Cricket (MiLC). Despite an inauspicious start, where he was bowled for a duck off just three deliveries, he quickly turned things around. Leading the Silicon Valley Strikers, he amassed 612 runs from 16 innings, becoming the top run-scorer of the 2021 MiLC season and securing his team the championship title. His standout performance included a record-breaking knock of 132 off 69 deliveries.
Despite these stellar performances, Unmukt was not selected for the USA’s T20 World Cup squad co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies in June 2024. The decision came as a shock, especially since his consistent showings in T20 leagues and MiLC seemed to make a strong case for his inclusion. Instead, his teammates Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh made the cut, leaving Unmukt to grapple with the disappointment of missing out on a dream he had nurtured for years.
Unmukt has openly shared the emotional toll of being overlooked for the World Cup, describing it as a significant heartbreak. However, his response to this setback has been nothing short of inspirational. Returning to Major League Cricket (MLC), Unmukt has focused on what he does best—scoring big runs and leading by example. His resilience and determination to succeed in the USA cricket scene underscore his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Unmukt Chand’s journey from leading India to U19 World Cup glory to facing the heartbreak of missing out on the USA’s T20 World Cup squad highlights the unpredictable nature of a cricketing career. It’s a tale of early promise, unforeseen challenges, and relentless perseverance. As he continues to forge his path in the USA, Unmukt’s story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of an athlete who refuses to be defined by setbacks.