Nikhil Chaudhary is on the verge of achieving a historic feat after receiving a call-up to Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The Delhi-born all-rounder could become the first Indian-born male cricketer in over 60 years to play for Australia if he makes his international debut during the tour.
Australia drafted Chaudhary into the squad following Travis Head’s withdrawal due to personal leave. The 30-year-old is expected to join the team in Dhaka before the three-match T20I series in Chattogram, where he could potentially make his international debut.
If selected, Chaudhary would become the first Indian-born man to play for Australia since Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sellers, who featured in the 1964 Test against India in Calcutta. While Australia have fielded several players of Indian origin over the years, including Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha, none of them were born in India.
From Delhi cricket to Australia’s national squad
Chaudhary’s path to the Australian team has been anything but conventional. Born in Delhi, he represented Punjab in domestic cricket and shared dressing rooms with future India stars such as Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. He even trialled with Mumbai Indians before fate took him in a different direction.
A visit to Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic turned his life for good. Determined to continue pursuing cricket, Chaudhary stayed back and worked multiple jobs, including stints at a Mexican restaurant and as a parcel delivery worker, while climbing Australia’s domestic cricket ladder. His breakthrough came after former Australia all-rounder James Hopes recommended him to the Hobart Hurricanes.
Since then, Chaudhary has become one of the most entertaining players in the Big Bash League, known not only for his aggressive batting and leg-spin, and of course for his celebrations.
Australia’s T20I squad for Bangladesh series
Mitchell Marsh (c), 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, Adam Zampa
Last summer, Chaudhary scored 307 runs in the Big Bash League at a strike rate of 153 while helping Hobart Hurricanes lift the title. His ability to attack pace bowling stood out, striking at an impressive 180 against seamers during the tournament.
The all-rounder also enjoyed a breakthrough Sheffield Shield campaign with Tasmania, registering both a century and a five-wicket haul in his debut season. Australia selector Tony Dodemaide confirmed that Chaudhary’s BBL performances played a major role in his selection.
Australia vs Bangladesh T20I series schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | June 17, 2026 (Wednesday) | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram | 1:30 PM |
| 2nd T20I | June 19, 2026 (Friday) | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram | 1:30 PM |
| 3rd T20I | June 21, 2026 (Sunday) | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram | 1:30 PM |
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