‘Media hype explained a lot of pressure’ – Unmukt Chand because they are labeled as the “Next Virat Kohli” [Exclusive]

In an exclusive interaction with Crictracker, India’s Captain Under-19 World Cup captain of 2012 opened the season Unmukt Chand various topics. Thoughtful about the time that the media labeled him as the ‘Next Virat Kohli ‘The Star Cricket player admitted that such comparisons initially created pressure on him, but he now chooses to take them differently. The right-handed Slagman, who currently plays most of his cricket in the United States of America, also emphasized that Fringe players deserve better care and support.

The 32-year-old also emphasized that the Indian cricket is progressing steadily, with more competitions and young people get enough opportunities to show their talent. Chand, born in New Delhi, acknowledged the encouragement he received during his journey from cricket legends and noted that everyone has always been supportive and helpful. This is how the conversation went:

Excerpts from the interview

After the U19 World Cup, the media called you as the next Virat Kohli. Do you think this hype has done more harm than good for your career?

Well, looking back, we can have so many different permutations and combinations. When the media hype takes place, it certainly puts a lot of pressure on you in terms of the external expectations that go much further than I could have thought.

And then every game starts to feel too important, which sometimes puts unnecessary pressure on you, which is sometimes not very good to have. But again, these things are not under my control.

All I can do is keep playing my best cricket. And so I take my life. I think dealing with that pressure has shaped me in the person I am today. So from now on I take it in a very positive light.

If you could change one thing about the Indian cricket system, what would it be and why?

Well, I think the Indian cricket system is doing very good job at the moment. Producing so many players, it’s a machine that happens. That is why we have the top teams in all three formats.

I feel that if I had to change one thing, well, not really change, but again, it is important to ensure that the Fringe players are well cared for. Nowadays they clearly get more opportunities in terms of more a series.

Now, with the domestic competition that also comes in, such as DPL for Delhi, you have been going on the UPCL, and TNPL has been going on for a long time. This is now a great platform for the young people to portray themselves, to show it on a scale that is immediately seen by IPL teams. So that is a great development that has happened in recent years, which is very good.

Have you received a motivation from a cricket legend during the most difficult moment of your career?

I had the privilege of playing with some of the best legends of this game. They have been absolutely open in terms of sharing their experiences when I try to contact them. I have good support from them over the years. It is a friendship that we have developed over the years. It is always good to have people who have done more than you who have had to deal with certain situations that you are not dealing with. They have been quite helpful.

View “Unbroken: The Umukt Chand Story (2025)” in theaters near Friday 12 September

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