Playing for Uttarakhand is good challenge, I'm excited about it, says Unmukt Chand

Back in 2012, Unmukt Chand had become a household name when he led the India U-19 team to the Under-19 World Cup victory. Even before that, as a 16-year-old, Chand was making the news in the Delhi circuit with his exceptional batting. Even before the World Cup title, the Delhi boy had played IPL and earned an India A spot for the tour of New Zealand, and was regular India A captain until 2015.

"The things are very doubtful in Delhi," Chand said as quoted by Times Now. "In the last two-three years, I have been in and out of the side for various reasons. Too many things happening.....I wanted to give myself a bit of a break. I couldn’t focus on my cricket because many of these things going on. I m not worried about external factors that were troubling me in Delhi."

"Uttarakhand did a good job by qualifying for Elite group in the first year itself. It speaks volume of these guys. It’s a big challenge for me and the team to get Uttarakhand at the topmost level. It’s a challenge I take upon myself. I will be happy to contribute and see my team through. It’s a different challenge altogether. It’s about the team more than me right now. So the challenge is that the team does very well this year.," the Delhi cricketer, who has roots in Uttaranchal, said.

Having made his debut for Delhi as a teenager and then leading the team has been a long and emotional journey for Unmukt Chand. But he knows he's doing the right thing by moving on. 

"Last 2-3 years have not been good for me in Delhi. Yes, I have had lots of comebacks in last 2-3 years....you know I was getting dropped time and again. So every match felt like a comeback match for me. It was a great experience playing for Delhi but Uttarakhand is another challenge. I have a connection with Uttarakhand...my roots are in Uttaranchal.  So it feels like home. It’s good I have been able to acclimatise here...really enjoying the environment. Hopefully, can do a better job with Uttarakhand," he concluded.