Sportskeeda Exclusive Interview: Unmukt Chand - Captain India Under - 19 team

Unmukt Chand – Captain India Under – 19 team

India have boasted of great young talent for the last decade, From the likes of Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and to the phenomenal Virat Kohli, India has unleashed a barrage of young attacking batsmen who have taken the cricketing world by storm.

Unmukt Chand – another young attacking batsman who has caught the eye of the selectors by his exploits with the Delhi Ranji Team and the India Under 19s team. This Delhi Daredevil player not only plundered runs Down Under, also led the team to victory.

Here’s what he had to say when Sportskeeda caught up with him.

Q.You captained the Indian U 19 cricket team which won the Series in Australia recently.You must be elated with your success.

- Oh yes, it’s overwhelming! It’s like a dream to captain India 19 team and to win an overseas tournament by beating a great side like Australia and others is just unbelievable. We won the series and everyone played to the best of their abilities which helped us beat the best. India U19 is a great platform for youngsters like me to get a feel of playing at an international stage.

Q.The trend has been that most of the boys who play for India U 19 go on to play for the Indian team like Virat,Raina,Yuvraj.Do you think from here you can pave your way to the Indian Team?

- Well, it’s true that these guys have made it to the team but its not only the U 19 performance that counts. But yes it definitely gives you an edge.Representing your Country is the biggest thing in any sportsman’s life therefore performances in every tournament and every format counts. I aim to do deliver everywhere and play the best cricket possible and I am sure rest will follow. I am still young,working hard and enjoying the  game I love so much.

Q.You  performed exceptionally well in Australia. Can India bring back back the U 19 World Cup this year?

- Not only me but everyone in the team performed exceptionally well which is why we won the title. We had worked really hard and the win has boosted our confidence level. We are positive of getting the world cup back. We still have three months to prepare ourselves and therefore we are working hard and improving ourselves in every aspect of the game.

Q.Currently in the IPL you are playing for Delhi Daredevils.How has the experience been till now?

- This is my second year for Delhi Daredevils and needless to say that the experience has been splendid. It’s a constant learning process as you stay with such great Indian and International players. So many things I pick up by being just around them. Even though I haven’t had much chances of playing in the XI, nevertheless I am enjoying this opportunity to the fullest. Its all about being there with the team. In IPL, you see players like Muralitharan sitting in the dug out so I guess its not a big deal. However, whenever I’ll get my chance I’ll be ready to give my 100percent.

Q.How important IPL as a tournament is for you?

- IPL is one of the biggest platform to showcase your talent and for everyone to notice you. It’s a chance to interact with India’s best and overseas players. It gives you a feel of how it is like to play in front of such huge crowds cheering for you. Playing alongside cricketing greats is very motivating and it gives you a psychological boost to not just give your 100 percent but excel in every department of the game.

Q.Delhi Daredevils is at the top of points table currently.Do you think you guys can clinch the title this year?

- Definitely yes, as we have been performing pretty well. With the likes of Virender Sehwag, Pietersen, Irfan Pathan, I think we are a power packed team. The way we are currently playing we are pretty confident of winning the cup this year. As of now every game is important for us and we will try to give it all to win the matches.

Q.Who are your inspirations in the game?

- I don’t try to copy the techniques of any player but yes, if there is one batsman who has been an inspiration is Sachin Tendulkar because of what he has given to cricket and the kind of person he is both on and off field. Everything about him is just perfect. After the Sri Lanka and Australia series I think Virat Kohli is another cricketer whom I respect.