Good to have Ishant, Shikhar in the side: Unmukt Chand

Having powered Delhi to the third Vijay Hazare Trophy final after three seasons, Unmukt Chand is high on confidence after a match-winning 80 against Himachal Pradesh in the last-four clash, here on Saturday.

The in-form Delhi lad is enjoying the responsibility in the top-order and also the support from senior pros in the limited overs format. “It’s good to have some big knocks behind my back right now. I’m one of the mainstays of Delhi now. We’re quite a young side. It’s really important for me, Gauti (Gautam

Gambhir) bhai and all of the seniors,” said the 22-year-old.In the ongoing tournament, Chand has amassed 308 runs in seven games at an average of 61.60 and is looking forward to carry his form in the title clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.

“The centre track was used for today’s match. It was much better for batting than the last two matches played on this ground.

“I wouldn’t call it a batting paradise but it was much better compared to the last two games. It feels good to be among the runs. Looking forward to the finals now,” he added.

Chand believes having seniors in the team has bolstered Delhi’s morale in the campaign. “It’s great to have Ishant and Shikhar playing for us at the moment. Ishant has been doing his job pretty well.

“Even in the league matches he took wickets, he is the spearhead for us. Shikhar of course, it is good to have him back. “We batted together after a long time. It’s good to have the memories back,” stated the 2012 U-19 World Cup winning captain.

Recalling his century during their previous triumphant run against Assam in 2012-13 final, Chand is hoping for an encore.

“It’s been too long back; it has been three years now. Of course, it is special to score a hundred in the finals. If I can repeat the same thing again, more than happy, but winning is more important,” he concluded.