Former Team India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand scripted history by becoming the first male Indian player to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) on Wednesday. Chand, who is the first-ever Indian player to sign a deal with a Big Bash League club finally made his debut in the T20 league against Hobart Hurricanes. Representing the Melbourne Renegades side in the 2021-2022 edition of the action-packed league, Chand batted at the No.4 position for the Aaron Finch-led team in match No.54 of the BBL at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne. 

“The new colours suit you, @UnmuktChand9,” Renegades tweeted as the former U-19 World Cup-winning skipper made his BBL debut on Wednesday. Playing for the Finch-led in the 2021-2022 edition of the BBL, the Indian cricketer capped off a forgetful debut against Hobart Hurricanes. Chand was dismissed for 6 off 8 balls by Sandeep Lamichhane in the 18th over.  

Talking more about the match, Caleb Jewell (35), D’Arcy Short (37), skipper Matthew Wade (48) and Tim David’s unbeaten knock had helped Hobart Hurricanes post a challenging total of 182-5 in the 20-over contest. In reply, the Umukt-starrer side managed to score 176-6 as Finch & Co. lost the tie by 6 runs. Melbourne Renegades are rock bottom in the BBL standings with 16 points from 13 matches. Perth Scorchers are the current table-toppers with 41 points from 14 games. 

Earlier, Chand had retired from all forms of Indian cricket in August last year. Chand’s retirement from Indian cricket made him eligible to feature in overseas tournaments and leagues. It was under Chand’s leadership that India clinched the U-19 World Cup in 2012. Unmukt’s Team India had defeated the Australia U-19 team in the final at Townsville. Players like Cameron Bancroft, Travis Head and Ashton Turner were a part of the Australian U-19 side at the time. The 28-year-old had smashed an unbeaten 111 off 130 balls in the U-19 World Cup final.