Nikhil Chaudhary might become the first male India-born cricketer to play for Australia in 62 years if he's included in the XI after the 30-year-old all-rounder was picked in the Australian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. He was named as a replacement for Travis Head, who withdrew due to personal reasons.
Chaudhary, who plays for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes, played 14 matches for Punjab between 2017 and '19, including 12 T20s across the Inter State Twenty-20 tournament and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as well as two List A games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
He traveled to Australia in 2020 and remained in the country after it shut down its borders due to the COVID pandemic. His temporary visa is good until 2027. Despite not yet having citizenship or permanent status, he has lived in Australia for five years, making him eligible to play for the national team under ICC regulations.
After helping the Hurricanes win the BBL in 2024–2025, Chaudhary made his first-class and List A debuts for Tasmania, including his first Sheffield Shield century and five-wicket haul.
Chaudhary will be the first male cricket player from India to play for Australia since leg-spinner Rex Sellers in 1964 if he is chosen for the playing XI. Born in Pune, former Australian women's captain Lisa Sthalekar represented Australia 187 times across all forms.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide is confident the bowling all-rounder can perform well should he win selection.
“Nikhil has been a player of national interest for some time. He was a standby player for this tour, joining the squad at pre-season camps in Brisbane and coming in as a replacement for Travis Head. The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad. He has also been part of the Delhi Capitals setup in this year's IPL.
Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and will be in contention to play his first game for Australia when we sit down to pick a team for the opening T20 fixture here next week,” Tony Dodemaide said as per IANS.
The three-match T20I series will be played entirely in Chattogram, with the first match scheduled for June 17. The second T20I will take place on June 19, while the third and final match of the series is set for June 21.
Australia T20I squad:
Mitchell Marsh (C), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa.
(IANS inputs)
