MLC 2025: Unmukt Chand's Standout Performance Sparks US Cricket Team Selection Debate

Unmukt Chand's journey in cricket has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup in 2012 to retiring from Indian cricket at just 28, the talented right-handed batter has navigated numerous challenges. Now, he's seeking a fresh start in the United States.

"Cricket is a universal game and even though the means might change, the end goal is still the same - to play cricket at the highest level,"

Chand wrote in his retirement post in 2021. To pursue this universal game, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2021, with aspirations of representing the US national team.

Unmukt Chand showcasing his skills for the Los Angeles Knight Riders.

The American Dream

After four years, the call from USA Cricket is yet to come.

"Moving to the USA was something like a second chance for me. My one and only goal when I left for the USA was to play for the national team,"

he told TimesofIndia.com, prior to the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC).

Following a strong showing in Minor League Cricket, a national T20 competition in the United States, Chand hoped to be selected for the 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the US and the Caribbean. However, he was ultimately left out of the squad.

"The World Cup was something which was very important. And that’s how I sort of timed my retirement from India also,"

he revealed.

MLC 2025: A Turning Point?

Chand's performance in the first two seasons of the MLC, playing for the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR), was underwhelming. He scored only 68 runs in four matches in the inaugural season, followed by 158 runs in six matches the following year.

However, the MLC 2025 season has seen a resurgence in form for Chand. He has been a lone bright spot for LAKR, who are currently at the bottom of the table. With 243 runs in seven matches, Unmukt is currently among the top run-scorers in the league.

Will this be enough to finally earn him a place in the US side? The 32-year-old remains focused on his performance.

"Whenever I have not got selected, performance was the only way you come back in. So I can only think along those lines,"

he stated.

"You know, as a cricketer, my lines are always very straight: I want to keep working hard, and keep improving my skills, and keep making sure that whenever I get the opportunity I go there and perform."

"My only way to get back is to let my bat keep talking,"

he added.

Redemption on the Horizon?

LAKR have three games remaining this season, but they are out of contention for the playoffs. However, these matches represent an opportunity for Chand to end the season strongly and further his case for selection.

From being hailed as a future star to rebuilding his career in a new country, Chand's journey has been turbulent. Yet, he remains determined to fulfill his dream.

"I have grown up with this mindset and mentality that I just want to keep getting better every day. The whole fight is with me. I want to be a better version of myself. That is something which has been a very strong fundamental thing inside my head,"

he explained.

"I feel that the journey is still ongoing. I still have a number of years left with me. I will keep trying my best. I will keep doing my best. You never know, man, where life takes you,"

he concluded.