Unmukt Chand – All You Need to Know
If you follow Indian cricket, the name Unmukt Chand rings a bell. He burst onto the scene when he captained the India U‑19 team to World Cup glory in 2012. Since then, he’s been a regular in domestic cricket and has had several IPL chances. This page gives you a snapshot of his career, playing style, and where he stands today.
Early Rise and World Cup Glory
Born on July 26, 1993, in Delhi, Chand grew up playing gully cricket before moving to the academy circuit. His big break came at the 2012 ICC U‑19 World Cup in Australia. As captain, he scored 47 in the final against Australia, sealing a six‑run win and earning the Man of the Match award. That innings made him a household name and sparked expectations of a fast‑track into the senior side.
After the tournament, Chand made his first‑class debut for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. He quickly showed he could handle red‑ball cricket, posting a 93 on debut and later nabbing a double‑century against Mumbai. Those performances kept him in the selectors’ radar, but a senior India call‑up has stayed elusive.
IPL Journey and Current Role
Unmukt’s IPL story started with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2013, but he didn’t get many opportunities that season. He moved to the Mumbai Indians in 2014, where he played a handful of games, mostly as a backup opener. The biggest stint came with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016 and 2017, where he scored a quickfire 68 against the Delhi Daredevils, showcasing his aggressive start.
Since 2018, Chand has been a free agent, picking up short contracts with teams like the Maharashtra Warriors in the now‑defunct T20 league and playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. He’s also turned to coaching clinics, sharing his experience with young batsmen in Delhi’s cricket schools.
Statistically, Chand has a first‑class average of around 42 with five centuries and 12 fifties. In List A cricket, his average sits close to 38, and in T20s he averages about 27, striking at a healthy 130 + SR. These numbers tell you he’s consistent in the longer formats and can accelerate when needed in the short game.
What sets Chand apart is his calm demeanor at the crease. He prefers playing off the front foot, often getting down on the front leg to pull or hook. He’s good against both pace and spin, which helped him score runs on turning tracks in Chennai and bouncy tracks in Delhi.
Recent news shows Chand is still in the mix for domestic squads. He was named in Delhi’s squad for the 2024‑25 Ranji Trophy and is expected to open the batting in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Rumors also suggest he might be part of a mentorship program for emerging U‑19 players, bringing his captaincy experience full circle.
Fans still talk about his 2012 U‑19 win, and many wonder if a senior India debut is still possible. While competition for opening spots is fierce, Chand’s steady domestic form keeps his name in conversations. If you’re tracking Indian cricket prospects, his journey is a good example of talent, hard work, and patience.
Whether you’re a casual follower or a budding cricketer, Unmukt Chand’s story offers lessons in leadership, adapting to different formats, and staying relevant even when the big break takes longer than expected. Keep an eye on his performances this season – you never know when the next big innings will arrive.
