Scoring with words this time

From being a successful Under-19 captain who led India to a World Cup victory last year to turning author, it all seems to be going well for Delhi boy Unmukht Chand. The 20-year-old cricketer, who recently launched his debut book — The Sky is the Limit — reveals how it’s about what it takes to climb the ladder of success and live up to expectations.


When did the idea of writing a book come about?
I always wanted to write a book. It was always at the back of my mind that at some point, I’ll write a book. I remember, three-four months before the Under-19 World Cup, I told my uncle about it and he said why not now. I didn’t know how to go about it and he asked me to go through my diaries. I looked back at the entries from the time I’d started playing, and got to compiling them into chapter forms. That’s how it all began.

How much time did it take to complete the book?
I started writing it few months before the World Cup and had done most of the work by the time we went for the tournament. The belief of winning the tournament was so strong that the first draft was ready even before the outcome. The ending, however, was written during the World Cup because all of it would have been futile if we didn’t win.

How do you maintain a balance between sports and academics?
It’s all about managing your time well. I give about six hours everyday to cricket and do other things in my free time. Coming from a studious background, I have the habit of reading a little every day. I did the same during my school days.

Can one expect more books from you in the future?
I think it is too early to say that right now. Playing cricket has been my ultimate dream, so that will always remain my priority. But, I will keep writing my diaries. Why the book? I always wanted to write a book ... I told my uncle about it before the world cup and he said why not now!

Author or cricketer?
Playing cricket will always remain my priority. At the same time, I will keep writing my diaries.