Once compared to Virat Kohli, this World Cup winner shares parents' new Himalayan dream home in Pithoragarh

Former India Under-19 cricket captain Unmukt Chand has shared pictures of his parents' new home in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh, overlooking the Himalayan mountain range. Built on ancestral land after two years of work by his parents, cricketer, who was once compared as the next Virat Kohli, shares that the house has a special meaning for him. Chand said he wants the property to serve as a connection to his family's roots and a place where his son, Krishay, can return whenever he wants to get away from city life. The house stands on a hilltop with the Panchachuli mountain range visible from the property. Sharing pictures of the home on Facebook, Chand spoke about the effort that went into building it and credited his parents for turning the idea into reality.

Unmukt Chand's parents took two years to build Himalayan dream home

Unmukt Chand revealed that his parents spent nearly two years working towards completing the house. They were personally involved in the construction and worked alongside labourers despite the difficult conditions in the hills. He said his parents faced both extreme heat and cold during the construction. At times, they even slept on the ground while overseeing the work.

Chand credited their determination and sacrifices for making the house possible. He said the property would always remind him of the effort his parents put into building it. The cricketer also thanked people from the village who helped his family during the construction. Some residents offered accommodation, while others cooked meals and assisted with the work.


He described the experience as an example of how people in remote hill communities come together to help one another. The village, he said, felt like one big family.

Why Unmukt Chand built a special home for his son

One of the most personal aspects of Chand's post was his explanation of why the family wanted the house. He said the property was also a gift for his son, Krishay. Chand wants him to have a place where he can experience nature and understand his family's background as he grows older.

The former cricketer said he hopes his son will be able to visit the house when urban life becomes overwhelming. He wants him to enjoy the mountains, breathe freely and understand where his family comes from. The house, built on ancestral land, is also intended to keep the family's heritage alive for future generations.

Chand said that as life becomes busier, having a place that belongs to the family and connects them to their roots becomes increasingly important. He also expressed his wish to return to Pithoragarh and spend a few days in the mountains.

Unmukt Chand was once compared to Virat Kohli

Unmukt Chand became a familiar name among cricket followers after captaining India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2012. India defeated Australia in the final, with Chand scoring an unbeaten 111 runs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and raised expectations about his future in Indian cricket. The victory also brought comparisons with Virat Kohli, who had captained India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2008.

As Hindustan Times reported in an earlier profile, former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell had backed Chand's talent and believed he should move directly into the senior Indian team rather than spend more time playing domestic cricket. Chand subsequently represented India A and captained the side in several matches. However, he never made an appearance for the senior Indian men's team.

In an earlier conversation with former India batter Aakash Chopra, Chand said winning the Under-19 World Cup was a major achievement in itself. He also acknowledged that a player's journey does not automatically lead to a place in the senior national team.

What is Unmukt Chand doing now?

Chand moved away from Indian domestic cricket in 2021 to explore opportunities overseas. He subsequently pursued a career in the United States and became one of the Indian-born cricketers to feature in American professional cricket. He has represented the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC) and has also played in other overseas franchise competitions.

In 2026, Chand featured for the Mississauga Skyhawks in the Global T20 Canada tournament, scoring 186 runs in six matches, according to the competition's player statistics. He has also featured for the Los Angeles Knight Riders during the 2026 MLC season. His cricketing journey has therefore taken a different route from the one many expected after his Under-19 World Cup success. While the senior India cap remained elusive, he continues to play professional cricket overseas.