Unmukt Chand signs for Melbourne Renegades, set to become first Indian to play in Big Bash League

Unmukt Chand will play for Big Bash League (BBL) side Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming season. He will thus be the first Indian cricketer to play in Australia’s domestic T20 competition.

The same was confirmed by the franchise early on Friday, who tweeted out the news on their official account. The Renegades are currently led by Australia white-ball captain Aaron Finch.

“I’m very excited, it’s great to be part of the Melbourne Renegades family. I’ve always followed the Big Bash and it’s a great opportunity for me to come and play some good cricket,” said Chand.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Melbourne and to get going. I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia. I haven’t been to Melbourne before… I know for a fact there are lots of Indians in Melbourne, so it’s going to be nice, and I hope the crowds turn up for games as well,” he added.

The @RenegadesBBL make history with their latest #BBL11 signing – @UnmuktChand9 becomes the first ever male Indian player in the BBL! ?? pic.twitter.com/bMlZ3xBgxP

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) November 4, 2021

“It’s great to have Unmukt on board and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do as a Renegade. He makes history as the first Indian player in the BBL, which is exciting for our club, our fans and the competition,” General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.

“We believe we’re assembling a well-rounded group, with a nice mix of experience and exciting, young talent. Our list is close to finalised, but we look forward to sharing some more exciting news with our fans in the run to the season.”

Unmukt Chand – a career of unfulfilled potential

Chand, a Delhi-born cricketer, was seen by many as a sure-shot India international in his young days. Indeed, he captained the India U-19 team in 2012 to a victory in the age-group World Cup.

In the final against Australia, Chand had even scored an unbeaten century. And this against a team featuring the likes of Travis Head and Ashton Turner.

However, his career never took off at the senior level. He played 67 first-class games but never made it beyond the India A set-up.

His career in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was similarly sketchy. He turned out for home team Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Mumbai Indians and even the Rajasthan Royals. But he was unable to find sustained success anywhere.

This led to him announcing his retirement from the game earlier this year. He had said at the time that he would like to play cricket ‘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,” he said in his retirement statement.

“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.”

The 2021-22 season of the BBL is set to get underway from December 5.

Melbourne Renegades BBL Squad: Aaron Finch (C), Cameron Boyce, Unmukt Chand, Zak Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Josh Lalor, Nic Maddinson, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Mitchell Perry, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Reece Topley