BBL 2021-22: Melbourne Renegades rope in Unmukt Chand for 11th edition

Melbourne Renegades have signed former India U-19 skipper Unmukt Chand for the 11th edition of Big Bash League (BBL). The 28-year-old will be the first Indian male cricketer to play the T20 league in Australia. The right-hand batter attracted a lot of eyeballs when he led India to a win U-19 win over Australia in 2012. Leading from the front, Chand stroked a magnificent hundred to stun the hosts.

After highs of the 50-over World Cup, the 28-year-old played domestic cricket for Delhi and a few seasons of IPL before quitting his India career and moving to the USA to play in the Minor Cricket League (MCL). Chand said he is ecstatic to be part of the Melbourne Renegades franchise.

"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.”

In the past two seasons, the Aaron Finch-led side has not performed to the standard they would have liked. The batting has been an area of concern and Chand can lend solidarity in that department.

Chand further said it's a big opportunity for him and he is keen to make that count, adding that it will be nice to play in front of Indian crowd in Australia.

"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.”