Yash Dhull on Saturday joined Virat Kohli and Unmukt Chand in a unique list of Indian cricketers who hail from Delhi and have captained India to glory in the U-19 World Cup. Kohli had led the team to victory in the 2008 U-19 World Cup whereas Chand achieved the same feat in 2012. 

However, after the overwhelming success in the junior World Cup, Kohli and Chand’s journey went to different extremes. While Kohli established himself as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game and led the Indian senior team for seven years; Chand never managed to play for India, never made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and was even dropped from the Delhi state team. 

Ex-Indian cricketer Nikhil Chopra has explained the difference between the two and claimed that while Kohli scored runs in domestic immediately after the U-19 WC victory, Chand could not do the same and prove his worth at the senior level. 

“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 Chopra on 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,” added the former Indian player. 

Chand retired from Indian cricket last year and plays in the United States of America now. He played the Minor Cricket League last season and will be part of the Major Cricket League’s inaugural season. Chand became the first Indian to feature in the Men’s Big Bash League in the recently concluded season.