Meet Nikhil Chaudhary, only the second India-born cricketer to play in Big Bash League

Australia legend Brett Lee talking to Nikhil Chaudhary in Hindi during a Big Bash League game became an internet sensation, but very few are aware of the India-born cricketer’s journey to BBL. In fact, he is the second India-born cricketer to play in BBL after Unmukt Chand. Born in New Delhi, Chaudhary honed his cricketing skills in the domestic circuit, turning up for Punjab at various levels. However, Brisbane’s club cricket circuit soon became his training ground, and that’s where he gained recognition for his powerful hitting and clever spin bowling. The Hobart Hurricanes soon noticed his talent and helped him make his way to the Big Bash League. Chaudhary made his T20 debut for Punjab in the 2016-17 Inter-State T20 tournament, marking a significant step in his career. While playing domestic cricket in India, Chaudhary also had the opportunity to play under legendary Harbhajan Singh. He also gained valuable insights from Yuvraj Singh, who imparted knowledge on building innings and handling big targets. He had a few unsuccessful attempts with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, but the Punjab player remained resilient. His last game for Punjab was in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in November 2019. Shortly after, he found himself in Australia just days before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and was stuck in the country due to the lockdown.

Soon after, Chaudhary started to embrace his new home, playing grade cricket before finally making the cut for the big stage. He was recommended to the Hurricanes by Northern Suburbs coach James Hopes who is a coaching staff at the BBL team. On December 20, 2023, he made his debut in the BBL, where he showcased his skills with a brisk 31-ball 40 against defending champions Perth Scorchers. In a match against Melbourne Stars, he slammed a memorable six against Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf. In a recent interview with 7 Seas TV Australia, the 27-year-old, who is a fan of former Indian captain Virat Kohli, shared his journey and revealed an intriguing fact about facing Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan. Chaudhary revealed that he had hit two sixes in one over. The 27-year-old cricketer has participated in five matches in the current season for the Hobart Hurricanes. He has so far accumulated a total of 72 runs with an impressive strike rate of 153.19.