India-born all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary has received his first call-up to Australia’s T20 International squad, completing an extraordinary journey from domestic cricket in India to the Australian national setup.
The 30-year-old Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes leg-spinning all-rounder has been named in Australia’s squad for the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh, replacing the rested Travis Head.
Born in Punjab, India, Chaudhary played domestic cricket for Punjab between 2017 and 2019. During that period, he featured in 12 T20 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and two List A games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
His career took a dramatic turn in 2020 when he travelled to Australia to visit family in Queensland. With international borders closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained in Australia and began playing grade cricket in Brisbane. His performances soon attracted the attention of former Hobart Hurricanes bowling coach James Hopes, opening the door to professional opportunities.
Over the past three seasons, Chaudhary has emerged as one of the Big Bash League’s most exciting all-rounders. He played a key role in Hobart Hurricanes’ maiden BBL title-winning campaign in 2024-25, impressing with both bat and ball. His strong performances also earned him opportunities with Tasmania, where he made his List A and Sheffield Shield debuts.
Last season, Chaudhary further strengthened his case for national selection by scoring his maiden Sheffield Shield century and claiming his first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
Australian selector Tony Dodemaide said Chaudhary had been on Cricket Australia’s radar for some time and noted that the Bangladesh tour would provide valuable experience and potentially an opportunity for him to make his international debut.
Although Chaudhary is not yet an Australian citizen, he is eligible to represent Australia under ICC regulations after residing in the country for more than five years. He currently holds a temporary visa valid until 2027.
His selection is being celebrated as a significant milestone for Australia’s multicultural sporting landscape.
If he makes his debut, Chaudhary will join a select group of India-born cricketers to have represented Australia at international level. The last India-born male cricketer to play for Australia was Rex Sellers, who appeared in a lone Test against India in Kolkata in 1964. Former Australian women’s captain Lisa Sthalekar, born in Pune, also enjoyed a distinguished career, representing Australia 187 times across all formats.