'Unmukt Chand couldn’t translate success from U19 to domestic circuit' - Former cricketer on why Virat Kohli shined on international level

Unmukt Chand was regarded as the next big thing in Indian cricket after having led the country to a U19 World Cup triumph in 2012. He had scored match-winning centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the semifinal and final of the U19 Asia Cup but, had saved his best for the last as he went on to score an unbeaten 111 in the junior World Cup final against Australia to see his side home win in their chase of 225. The Delhi cricketer did go on to play domestic cricket and the IPL from thereon but, never made it to the Indian senior team.

Meanwhile, former India spinner Nikhil Chopra has explained why Chand could not make it to the highest level and at the same time also revealed how his predecessor Virat Kohli made it big. Kohli, who had captained India to their second title in the 2008 edition of the U19 World Cup in Malaysia made the most of his opportunities by scoring consistently and has never looked back since then.

Unmukt Chand couldn’t translate his success from U19 to domestic cricket, says Nikhil Chopra

“The transition phase from U19 to Ranji Trophy is very important. From a boy, you are joining the men’s league. Your U19 phase is over and now you have to translate that performance at the Ranji Trophy level”, said Nikhil Chopra while speaking to Khelneeti’s YouTube channel.

“Virat Kohli played for Delhi after winning the U19 World Cup. He scored plenty of runs there as well. He was dropped from the Indian team after his initial selection but picked again after scoring in domestic cricket. In contrast, Unmukt Chand couldn’t translate his success from U19 to domestic cricket. He was an exceptional talent but could not fulfill his potential. To get selected for India, you need to prove that you are one above the rest”, the cricketer-turned-commentator added.

Unmukt Chand has managed 2690 runs in 48 first-class matches and 2796 runs in 79 List A games respectively. The middle-order batter has represented Delhi, 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals, and the five-time winners Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He retired from Indian cricket in August last year and shifted his base to the USA for better prospects in order to prolong his career and went on to sign a three-year deal with Major League Cricket. Unmukt’s career in the United States got off to a flying start after he led Silicon Valley to a title win in the Minor League Cricket