Unmukt Chand bids adieu to Indian cricket, would seek better opportunities around the world

Under-19 World Cup winning skipper Unmukt Chand has announced his retirement from Indian cricket. Chand took to Twitter and thanked BCCI and DDCA for their support. The youngster was deemed as the next big thing in Indian cricket and scored a magnificent hundred in the final to lead India to U-19 WC win in 2012. Chand knocked the doors of India debut after a sensational run in domestic cricket. However, fierce competition meant that Unmukt was lost in the crowd. The right hand batter played 48 first-class games for India and scored 2690 runs at an average of 35.39. He also played 79 List A matches and 21 IPL games in his career.

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"After thinking for a while, I still could not find the perfect beginning to this letter. Writing this down brings out mixed emotions in me. I don't know how I should be feeling cause honestly I am still figuring it out. The very thought of not being able to represent my country again literally stops my heartbeat for a while," Chand wrote on his official Twitter profile.

"I have grown up playing cricket with just one and only dream of playing for India. The love for this game has been very pure for me and I am grateful to have achieved a few milestones along the way. From getting up early in the morning for training, scheduling my entire day around cricket and trying to find out ways to become a better player has always been my drive and motivation and still keeps me going as the journey is only halfway through.

"Playing amongst the best players in India and across the world has taught me a lot. I would also like to thank DDCA for giving me an opportunity so early on in my career to rub shoulders with the stalwarts of Delhi and Indian cricket. Having spent time around these legends for so many years has been instrumental in my own. journey. I want to thank all my fellow players, coaches, support staff for bringing out the best in me. I will forever cherish these memories.

Chand admitted the last few years of his career were difficult as he was denied opportunities. He revealed he would seek better opportunities across the world.

"Lastly, I would like to say that things have not been as smooth in the last few years and opportunities have been denied. 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," wrote Chand.