Unmukt Chand – The next big thing in Indian cricket

File photo: Unmukt Chand

Unmukt Bharat Chand Thakur, born in 1993, is a right handed opening batsman who plays for Delhi in the domestic circuit since 2011. This talented young batsman has been playing for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL since the year 2011.

Unmukt Chand came into the lime light in the year 2012, while leading India under 19s in the World Cup. He scored 111 vital runs in the final against Australia – garnering praise from the legendary Ian Chappell. Originally a native of Uttrakhand, both his parents are teachers and Unmukt is pursuing studies in the University of Delhi.

He has a good batting average of 39.27 in the first class level and 37 in List A. He had scored 400 runs in the Ranji trophy in 5 matches in 2010-11.

And now, Unmukt Chand has delivered yet again. This time he has shown his batting skills by scoring a whopping 119 runs while playing for Delhi in the NKP Salve challenger trophy against the India Reds today. Unmukt displayed his class by hitting 12 fours and three huge sixes during his impressive innings. On a personal note, this young man is having a compassionate approach towards humanity as he had donated rupees 1 lakh to the flood victims of Uttrakhand.

Unmukt Chand is the most promising player amongst the emerging young talent. Though, with the emergence of batsmen like Vijay Zol, Sanju Samson and Mandeep Singh, the competition of getting a chance of playing for team India is getting intense. But, from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli, everyone has high hopes from Unmukt.

Performances like the one today fortify his claims of being a future leader as well. So far, Unmukt has shown tremendous commitment for the game. One aspect which has impressed one and all is his mature style of playing. I also think that his consistency is due to his cool temperament.

Basically, he has good footwork and despite being a young player, his focus is really admirable. He waits for the ball and hits it at the appropriate moment. His efficient running between the wickets also makes him a trustworthy batsman. So far he has also shown his capability to play long innings as per the need of the hour. He has been a very aggressive starter, who likes to play his strokes early in his innings.

However, there is significant scope for improvement which will come with time. Also, I personally feel that he has got to maintain his fitness. He has been a big match player, who has done well in all the crucial matches in his short career. Keeping in view that he is still only 20, I can foresee a long and fruitful vigil ahead for Unmukt Chand. With this sensational innings of 119 today, it appears that a star has been born!