Former Delhi Ranji captain Unmukt Chand has decided to leave his home side and move to Uttarakhand side, where he will captain the side in upcoming Ranji season 2019-20. Chand had come into limelight by leading India U19 side to the World Cup win in 2012 and making his Delhi FC debut at the age of 16.
However, he fell out of contention with Delhi team, last playing for them in 2017 and though he was expected to follow the footsteps of his more illustrious Delhi colleague Virat Kohli and do big things for Team India, Chand failed to emulate that success and never managed to play for India. However, at just 26-years-old, he has a big chance to correct his course and this move to a new team is just what he requires.
“Well, I was not getting any opportunity in Delhi team. They were dropping me regularly. I wanted to move last year only but couldn’t take the decision. It took me some time to take this decision. It’s hard to leave the place where you started. When I didn’t get a single game last year in the Ranji Trophy, I was pretty sure that now it’s time to go and look for a team where I can play matches,” Chand said in an interview to Times of India.
He added, “It has been a great journey so far and emotional as well because this is where I have learnt everything. Playing at various levels, India Under-19, India A, all this happened due to Delhi.”
When asked about being compared to Virat Kohli, who like him won the U19 World Cup and then went on to play for India, Chand said, “It has been seven years since the Under-19 World Cup win. Many things changed after that. I want to perform and play for my country. Of course, I am just 26. I am in the best shape and I am sure I will (play for India seniors). Some people get it so early like Virat (Kohli) and Prithvi (Shaw) got it. My journey is very different. I want live my own journey. I want to make my own way and name. That’s all. That’s the dream (representing India). I am working hard for it and I am sure I will get there soon.”
Talking about the challenge of leading a new side in Ranji like Uttarakhand, Chand mentioned, “This is a different challenge because it’s a new side. The boys (in Uttarakhand team) have done so well. They have good talent. I am sure it’s going to be a good and exciting journey. I am really looking forward for it. More than performing, I think it’s the right time to use my experience in my new journey.”
While talking about playing IPL, Chand was hopeful and said, “Yes, obviously. If I get a contract, I will accept it. That’s not something I am worried about. If I will perform well, things will go my way. For now, I am chasing my dreams.”
“It will be a different role for me leading Uttarakhand. I have to play and guide other players too. I am sure they will do well. I am happy to go there because my roots are from there. I am happy to go back to my roots. I will start my new journey from there,” concluded Unmukt Chand.
(Quotes courtesy Times of India)
