11 June,2026 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nikhil Chaudhary (Pic: Cricket Australia)
Spin-bowling all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, an Australian Permanent Resident, made history on Thursday by becoming the first male cricketer born in India in more than sixty years to find a spot in an Australian national squad. The landmark selection came as he was included in the T20 roster for the upcoming bilateral tour of Bangladesh.
"The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad," selector Tony Dodemaide was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
"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 added.
In women's cricket, Pune-born Lisa Sthalekar represented Australia with immense success and is widely regarded as an all-time legend, playing all formats from her debut in 2003 until her retirement in 2013.
The 30-year-old Chaudhary does not currently hold Australian citizenship. However, his status as a permanent resident means he 'fulfils the International Cricket Council's eligibility criteria to play for his adopted nation.'
Before moving, the Delhi-born cricketer made 14 List-A appearances for Punjab in Indian domestic cricket. His journey to Australian cricket began during a trip to see his uncle in Queensland, which became a long-term stay due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2020. During that period, he worked various odd jobs, including a stint as a postman, before his talent caught the attention of former Australian all-rounder James Hopes, who helped guide him into the local cricket system.
"After helping Hobart to the BBL 14 title, his best season with the bat came last summer, slamming 307 runs at 30.70 and a strike-rate of 153, although he had a reduced role with the ball due to the recruitment of fellow wrist-spinners Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain," cricket.com.au reported.
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.
