Nikhil Chaudhary's remarkable cricket journey could soon reach its biggest milestone yet.
The Delhi-born all-rounder has earned his maiden call-up to Australia's
T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, putting him on the verge of becoming the first India-born male cricketer to represent Australia in international cricket in more than six decades.
If he makes his debut, Chaudhary will become only the second India-born men's cricketer to play for Australia after Rex Sellers, who featured in a Test against India in 1964.
Nikhil Chaudhary: From Delhi Cricket To Australia's National Team
Born in Delhi, the 30-year-old began his cricketing journey in India, playing domestic cricket alongside current India stars Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma.
A right-handed batting all-rounder who can also contribute with leg-spin, Chaudhary represented Haryana in domestic cricket and made his List A and T20 debuts in 2017. He also spent time trialling with IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
However, his career took an unexpected turn in 2020.
Stranded By COVID, Chasing A Dream
Chaudhary travelled to Australia to visit family just before the COVID-19 pandemic brought international travel to a halt. Unable to return home due to border closures, he decided to stay and pursue cricket opportunities in Australia.
The move was far from glamorous.
Before breaking into professional cricket, Chaudhary worked at a Mexican restaurant and later delivered parcels for Australia Post while playing grade cricket and trying to establish himself in the Australian domestic system.
His persistence eventually paid off.
Nikhil Chaudhary Big Bash Breakthrough
Former Australia all-rounder James Hopes recommended Chaudhary to the Hobart Hurricanes, who signed him ahead of the 2023-24 Big Bash League season.
Since then, he has become a key player for the franchise.
Across 32 BBL appearances, Chaudhary has scored 693 runs and picked up nine wickets. He was also part of the Hurricanes squad that lifted the BBL title during the 2024-25 season.
In the most recent campaign, he scored 307 runs at an average of 30.70 and a strike rate of 153.50, establishing himself as one of the competition's most dangerous middle-order batters.
Nikhil Chaudhary Making Waves In Red-Ball Cricket
Chaudhary's rise continued in domestic cricket for Tasmania.
He enjoyed a dream first-class debut against Queensland in October 2025, claiming a five-wicket haul before scoring an unbeaten 76.
Just a month later, he registered his maiden first-class century against New South Wales, further strengthening his credentials across formats.
Australia's Newest Selection Story
Although Chaudhary is not yet an Australian citizen, he qualifies to represent Australia as a permanent resident under ICC eligibility regulations.
His inclusion in Australia's squad for the Bangladesh T20I series is the latest chapter in one of cricket's most inspiring modern stories - from domestic cricket in India and odd jobs during the pandemic to the brink of international cricket with Australia.
Should he take the field during the Bangladesh series, Chaudhary will not only fulfil a lifelong dream but also carve out a unique place in cricket history as the first India-born male player to wear Australia's colours since 1964.
Australia T20I Squad vs Bangladesh
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw and Adam Zampa.
