Australian selectors have handed a maiden T20I call-up to India-born all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes star has been added to the squad as a replacement for the rested Travis Head, marking a major milestone in his cricketing journey.
Chaudhary, 30, began his career in India and represented 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. After seeking opportunities abroad, he eventually found a new cricketing home in Australia.
His move came in 2020 when he travelled to Queensland to visit his uncle. However, after Australia’s borders closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chaudhary decided to remain in the country. He currently holds a temporary visa valid until 2027 and is eligible to represent Australia under ICC regulations after completing five years of residence.
Chaudhary’s rise through the Australian cricket system has been impressive. Spotted while playing grade cricket in Brisbane by former Hobart Hurricanes bowling coach James Hopes, he went on to become a key member of the Hurricanes squad. He played a crucial role in their BBL title-winning campaign in 2024-25 and later impressed for Tasmania with a maiden Sheffield Shield century and his first five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide revealed that Chaudhary had been closely monitored by the selection panel. “Nikhil has been a player of national interest for some time,” Dodemaide said. “He was a standby player for this tour, joining the squad at pre-season camps in Brisbane and comes in as a replacement for Travis Head.” He added, “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.”
Dodemaide also backed Chaudhary to make the most of the opportunity. “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,” he said. The call-up reflects the confidence selectors have in his all-round abilities and recent performances.
If Chaudhary makes his debut, he will become one of the few India-born cricketers to represent Australia. The last India-born male player to feature for Australia was Rex Sellers, while former Australia women’s captain Lisa Sthalekar enjoyed a highly successful international career after being born in Pune.
Meanwhile, Australia remain hopeful that T20I captain Mitchell Marsh will recover from his ankle injury in time for the Bangladesh series after recently returning to the nets in Dhaka. The squad has also been strengthened by the arrivals of Tim David, Spencer Johnson, Josh Philippe, Aaron Hardie and Joel Davies, who were not part of the preceding ODI assignments.
With Head rested and fresh faces joining the setup, Chaudhary now has a golden opportunity to complete an extraordinary journey from Punjab cricket to potentially representing Australia on the international stage. A debut in Bangladesh would cap a remarkable rise that began with a visit to Australia five years ago.