Delhi-born all-rounder could become the first Indian-born man to represent Australia in international cricket since 1964
Nikhil Chaudhary is on the verge of making cricket history after receiving his first call-up to Australia’s Twenty20 International squad for next week’s series against Bangladesh.
The 30-year-old Hobart Hurricanes all-rounder was added to the squad following Travis Head’s withdrawal due to personal leave. Chaudhary is expected to join the Australian team in Dhaka on Friday after competing for Belgian side JB Bruges in the European T20 competition, following an earlier stint with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
If selected for the series, the Delhi-born cricketer would become the first Indian-born man to play for Australia since leg-spinner Rex Sellers, who was born in Gujarat and represented Australia in the 1964 Test in Calcutta. In women’s cricket, Pune-born Lisa Sthalekar went on to enjoy a distinguished international career for Australia after being adopted by Australian parents as an infant.
Chaudhary’s path to the national team has been far from conventional. He previously represented Punjab in 14 limited-overs matches and shared the dressing room with future international stars including Harbhajan Singh, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma
During a visit to family in Queensland at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaudhary decided to remain in Australia and pursue new opportunities. He worked a range of jobs, including in hospitality and postal delivery, before earning a chance with the Hobart Hurricanes through former Australia all-rounder James Hopes.
Known for his aggressive batting style and energetic Kabaddi-inspired celebrations, Chaudhary has become a popular figure in the Big Bash League. He scored 307 runs at a strike rate of 153 during the 2024-25 BBL season and recently secured his first Tasmania contract after impressing in the Sheffield Shield, where he recorded both a century and a five-wicket haul.
Chaudhary is expected to compete with Aaron Hardie and Joel Davies for a middle-order role as Australia prepares for the Bangladesh series.
