Unmukt Chand Shares Graphic Photo of Facial Injury After On-Field Collision

Former India U19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand, now plying his trade in American cricket, faced a terrifying on-field incident in October 2022, suffering a gruesome facial injury that left his left eye severely swollen and barely open. The then 29-year-old batter, playing for the Silicon Valley Strikers in Minor League Cricket (MiLC), shared graphic images of his injury on social media, prompting an outpouring of concern from fans and the cricketing fraternity. Former CSK Player Vansh Bedi Denies IPL Fixing Allegations, Threatens Legal Action.

Unmukt Chand's Scars Over The Years

The face has seen some damage over the years. 😅

A broken jaw. A swollen eye. And now this.

A day after scoring a hundred, an on-field collision while taking a catch. Thankfully, no fracture. 🙏

That’s sport. Things change in a second.

Get back up. Go again. No stopping. 🏏💪 pic.twitter.com/c0YDeLDVVA

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) September 22, 2026

The Incident

The alarming injury occurred during a Minor League Cricket fixture in the United States. Reports from October 1 and 2, 2022, detailed the incident, confirming Chand's participation with the Silicon Valley Strikers.

The nature of the collision was not fully elaborated in initial reports, but the impact was significant enough to cause a distressing eye injury. Chand's post on social media (then Twitter) revealed a heavily bruised and swollen left eye, a sight that underscored the inherent risks athletes face.

Unmukt Chand's Reaction and Recovery

In the immediate aftermath of the injury, Unmukt Chand took to social media to share his experience and express gratitude for narrowly escaping a more severe outcome. He posted, 'It's never a smooth ride for an athlete. Some days you come home victorious, other days disappointed & there are some when you come home with bruises and dents. Grateful to God to have survived a possible disaster. Play hard but be safe. It's a thin line. Thanku for the good wishes.' India vs Japan Wide Controversy: Can Umpire Reverse the Decision? Here’s What Rule Says.

His message resonated with many, highlighting the fine line between sporting glory and potential career-threatening mishaps. Fortunately, Chand confirmed that the injury was not career-ending and that he was on the path to recovery.

Unmukt Chand's Journey in US Cricket

Unmukt Chand, born on March 26, 1993, famously led India to the U19 World Cup title in 2012, scoring a century in the final against Australia. After struggling to cement a place in the Indian senior team, he announced his retirement from Indian cricket in August 2021 to pursue opportunities in the United States.

His move to the USA saw him become a prominent figure in Minor League Cricket, and he also made history as the first Indian male cricketer to play in Australia's Big Bash League, representing the Melbourne Renegades in BBL-11 (2021-22 season). At the time of his injury in 2022, Chand was a top run-scorer in MiLC, showcasing his continued dedication and skill in the sport.  DDCA Seeks BCCI Intervention Over Match-Fixing Allegations Linked to Delhi Premier League, IPL 2025.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands and unpredictable nature of cricket, even for experienced players like Unmukt Chand, who has demonstrated resilience throughout his career, including once scoring a century with a broken jaw in Indian domestic cricket.

Unmukt Chand, who turns 34 in March 2027, continues to be a notable figure in the burgeoning American cricket scene, with this past injury remaining a poignant moment in his post-India career.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 09:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).