Former India U-19 player set the stage ablaze in Big Bash League 2023, takes down Pakistan’s Haris Rauf to cleaners

Nikhil Chaudhary has swiftly risen through the ranks in the Big Bash League (BBL), showcasing remarkable all-round performances for the Hobart Hurricanes. This 27-year-old cricketer, who once represented the India U-19 cricket team, has made headlines with his powerful batting and impactful bowling.

Originally hailing from Delhi, Chaudhary's cricket journey took an interesting turn when he relocated to Punjab at a young age. His initial aspiration was to emulate the fast-bowling prowess of former Australian cricketer Brett Lee. However, fate had different plans for him as he transitioned into the role of an all-rounder during his U-19 cricket days.

Chaudhary's standout moment came when he took on Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, slamming an impressive 32 off just 16 balls against Melbourne Stars. His prowess with the ball was highlighted in a match against Sydney Thunder, where he contributed with two crucial wickets, guiding his team to victory.

Nikhil’s time in India

During his stint with the Punjab team, Chaudhary had the opportunity to play alongside cricket stalwarts like Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh. He emphasized the invaluable lessons learned from Yuvraj, particularly in building innings and tackling big targets. Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo he said, "I learned a lot of things from him, like how to build an innings, tackle big targets and how to go deep into the innings."

Chaudhary faced setbacks in his attempts to secure a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with two unsuccessful trials with the Mumbai Indians in 2019. Speaking about his IPL experience he said, "I knew my capability of scoring runs at any stage of the game. I wanted to crack the IPL and also play for India."

Transition to Australia

The turning point in Chaudhary's career came during a family holiday in Brisbane when borders shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with the opportunity, he decided to explore cricket in Australia, citing a desire for change and personal growth.

While working as a courier at Australia Post, Chaudhary began playing club cricket for Northern Suburbs. It was his coach, former Australian cricketer James Hopes, who recognized his talent and recommended him to the Hobart Hurricanes, paving the way for a BBL contract.

Nikhil Chaudhary achieved the distinction of being only the second India-born cricketer to play in the BBL, following in the footsteps of Unmukt Chand. In a short span, he has proven himself as a valuable asset for the Hurricanes, making significant contributions with both bat and ball.