(Cricket news) Indian batter Unmukt Chand will create history in the Big Bash, after signing with the Melbourne Renegades.
The former India A and India U19 skipper will be the first Indian cricketer to participate in the KFC Big Bash League.
The batter earlier this year decided to retire from cricket in India to play in the United states.
He represented Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals in his IPL career and had a domestic career spanning more than a decade, including 67 first-class matches.
“I’m very excited, it’s great to be part of the Melbourne Renegades family,” Chand said.
“I’ve always followed the Big Bash and it’s a great opportunity for me to come and play some good cricket.
“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.
“I’ve always wanted to play in leagues like these and it’s great that now I have this opportunity to be representing the Renegades in the Big Bash, so for me it’s big.
“I really look forward to contributing as much as I can on the field. I’ll give it my best shot.”
Chand burst onto the international stage as a teenager in the 2012 ICC U19 World Cup in Australia.
He was named player of the match as India won the final against Australia after scoring an unbeaten 111. The Australian side featured a host of now-BBL stars, including the likes of Travis Head and Ashton Turner.
“We’re delighted to have Unmukt joining the Renegades and see him being an important part of our group,” Head Coach, David Saker, said.
“He brings a wealth of cricket experience. To have a player joining our team who has represented three IPL teams and led his country at ‘A’ and Under 19 level is fantastic.
“As a batter, Unmukt is dynamic and can change games quickly. He has spent much of his career at the top of the order, but we believe he has the flexibility to fill a variety of roles as we need.”
Chand is currently based in the USA . He will be high on confidence, after being named player of the tournament as his side Silicon Valley Strikers won the Minor League Cricket title last month.
He will travel to Australia later this month and be available for the duration of the tournament.
“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 up to the season.”
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.
