Unmukt Chand is first Indian man to sign for Big Bash club after joining Melbourne Renegades

Chand is no longer subject to the BCCI's strict rules which prevent its male players from participating in domestic leagues outside India, having retired from the country's structure to play in the USA

Unmukt Chand has become the first Indian man to join a Big Bash team after signing for Melbourne Renegades.

The former India A and India Under-19 international has Indian Premier League experience with Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals but no longer plies his trade in India.

Chand is no longer subject to the BCCI's strict rules which prevent its male players from participating in domestic leagues outside India, having retired from the country's structure to play in the USA.

He follows in the footsteps of several Indian women who have taken part in the WBBL, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.

The opening batsman said: "I've loved watching the Big Bash and players around the world coming in ... it's a great platform and I always wanted to play there.

"I'm really looking forward in the coming years that I can make a name for myself and hopefully win championships for the teams I play for.

^{Unmukt Chand in his Delhi Daredevils days}

"I'm really looking forward to coming to Melbourne and to get going. I've always enjoyed playing in Australia.

"I haven't been to Melbourne before… I know there are lots of Indians in Melbourne, so it's going to be nice, and I hope the crowds turn up for games as well."

Chand is the Renegades' second overseas signing for the 2021-22 season, which is due to begin on December 5. England's Reece Topley has also joined the club.

He made 21 IPL appearances across six seasons between 2011 and 2016, making one half-century.

"He brings a wealth of cricket experience," coach David Saker said.

"To have a player joining our team who has represented three IPL teams and led his country at A and under-19 level is fantastic.

"As a batter, Unmukt is dynamic and can change games quickly. He has spent much of his career at the top of the order, but we believe he has the flexibility to fill a variety of roles as we need."

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