Have you ever experienced a player with elite-level talent who has no way to channel that talent or is a complete enigma? Frustrating, right? This is exactly the case with Unmukt Chand, who did captain the last successful Indian U19 World Cup-winning team, and is now lost in USA cricket. The cricketing public had some mixed thoughts on the discussions. He not only scored runs, but Dwyane Bravo’s loud and relevant quote, “Cricket is bigger than politics,” has even more significance right now. Bravo’s quote is true, and it probably comes too late in the loudest relevant way. Let’s discuss why the subject of one player is larger than runs and stats.
When Talent Meets Borders: The Unseen Struggles of a Cricket Nomad
Unmukt Chand’s path is like one of those underdog movies where the protagonist is faced with one challenge after another, regardless of how great he plays. Imagine being the captain who led India to a U19 World Cup win, what potential, right? Then… the unexpected happens. That would seem easy, but cricket politics don’t follow a script!
While he was accumulating runs for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC 2025)—161 runs in four innings, at a terrific strike rate of 134.16! — he continues to be in the dog house on the national team. And it’s not just about statistics; it’s about participation, getting noticed, doing the fair thing. Bravo, LAKR head coach and white-ball superstar, doesn’t hide his contempt on this issue: players like Chand should not be scapegoated by off-field politics.
The High Price of Politics: When Dreams Get Stalled
To see Chand’s dismay after not being selected on the USA’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad was bittersweet but ultimately revealing. He worked hard for three years thinking about that one big goal, and was overlooked. As he said, “It was a big shock…I was not myself for some time.” You don’t just put that to bed, especially after you gave up your love of cricket in India to pursue an international designation abroad.
This is where the many layers of cricket governance complicate the situation. The politics in boards—player bias, regionalism, or simply poor evaluations—can obscure the focus on raw ability. When someone with IPL experience and a U19 World Cup trophy at home is still waiting for an opportunity within the USA system, it tells us there is more to the story than just cricket.
Bravo’s Message: Time to Put Cricket First
Dwayne Bravo endorsed Unmukt Chand’s move to play in the USA, and when he did so openly, it was more than support as a coach – it was an awakening statement. Bravo has cultivated a reputation as someone who tells it how it is, and his statement about Cricket being bigger than politics was a clear reminder to everyone involved.
This goes beyond one player—it’s about fairness and respect for those who work hard. When politics take over, fans lose faith, players lose drive, and the sport suffers. Bravo’s message to USA Cricket and others is clear: let talent and performance decide, not politics.
Chand’s story makes it clear that cricket is about skill and passion, not about favoritism. When you freeze the talent out, you’re missing out on some great moments. Bravo’s message? Don’t add unnecessary politics and give great players opportunities.
So, to cricket fans, how many more Chand stories are out there? And how do we keep cricket a game where you reward talent, no matter where you’re from?
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