Los Angeles Knight Riders head coach and former West Indies cricketer DJ Bravo grabbed the headlines after he backed Unmukt Chand’s inclusion in the USA Men’s National Cricket Team. The former West Indies’ all-rounder took to his micro-blogging Instagram handle and featured Unmukt Chand on his story.
Dwayne Bravo’s comments came after the cricketer’s impressive unbeaten 86-run innings against the Seattle Orcas in the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season.
DJ Bravo backs Unmukt Chand’s selection in the USA team
DJ Bravo posted a story on Instagram with a picture of Chand, and the caption of the post reads, “This guy deserves to be involved in the USA Cricket team. Cricket is bigger than politics. Let’s do right for these players. Well done!”
Bravo’s caption does carry weight, and his call to “do right for these players” is a reminder that selection should be based only on performance and merit. Unmukt Chand has shown he has both and it remains to be seen what the cricketing future holds in store for Chand.
📲| DJ Bravo on Unmukt Chand. pic.twitter.com/pOBX64y6TO
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) June 23, 2025
Unmukt Chand, once the captain of India’s U19 World Cup-winning team in 2012, has been using all his application in domestic cricket in the United States since his move from India. His recent performance in MLC is a reminder of the quality and experience he brings to the field.
The right-hander was already under pressure when LAKR were struggling at 7 for 2. However, he anchored the innings with maturity and later accelerated with confidence. He remained unbeaten on 86 off just 58 balls. He constructed his innings with the help of 10 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 148.28.
Read more: WATCH: Furious Rishabh Pant hurls Ball in Anger after Umpire denies Ball Change request
He also shared a vital 139-run partnership with Saif Badar, who scored a quick 54. Thanks to their wonderful partnership, which helped the Knight Riders chase down the target of 177 set by the Seattle Orcas. In the process, they won the match with six wickets in hand and 10 balls remaining.
In the past, we have witnessed cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne bringing cricket to America with Cricket All Stars. A decade ago, Sachin even said that he hopes to see cricket become a global sport by making an impact on the youngsters and women in the country.
In emerging cricket nations like the USA, experienced cricketers like Chand, who bring international exposure and match-winning ability, has all the tools to play a major role in developing the team and mentoring young talent.
