Delhi-born spin-bowling all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary has moved a step closer to a remarkable cricketing milestone after being named in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.The 30-year-old has become the first Indian-born male cricketer in more than 60 years to earn a place in an Australian national squad. Australia will play a three-match T20I series in Chattogram from June 17 to 21, with Chaudhary now in contention to make his international debut.Currently representing JB Bruges in Belgium’s EUT20 competition, Chaudhary was also part of the Delhi Capitals setup during the recent IPL season. He is expected to link up with Australia’s white-ball squad in Dhaka on Friday.National selector Tony Dodemaide said the all-rounder had impressed the selection panel through his performances in the Big Bash League.“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.According to cricket.com.au, Chaudhary’s selection is historically significant.“Australia has had several Indian-origin players feature in international cricket, including Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha, but not since the 1960s (when Rex Sellars, a Gujarat-born leg-spinner who featured in the 1964 Calcutta Test) has an Indian-born man played for the national side,” the website stated.Women’s cricket legend Lisa Sthalekar, who was born in Pune, represented Australia between 2003 and 2013 and remains one of the country’s most celebrated players. However, Chaudhary’s inclusion marks a rare achievement in the men’s game.Although he is yet to become an Australian citizen, Chaudhary holds Permanent Residency and meets the ICC’s eligibility requirements to represent Australia.Before relocating, the Delhi-born cricketer played 14 List-A matches for Punjab in Indian domestic cricket. His move to Australia came under unusual circumstances. During a visit to his uncle in Queensland in 2020, travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic extended his stay in the country. While trying to establish himself, Chaudhary worked several jobs, including delivering mail as a postman.His fortunes changed after former Australia all-rounder James Hopes spotted his talent and helped him enter the local cricket circuit.Chaudhary’s rise gathered pace with Hobart Hurricanes, where he played a key role in their BBL|14 title-winning campaign. His strongest season with the bat came last summer when he scored 307 runs at an average of 30.70 and a strike rate of 153. His bowling opportunities were more limited due to the presence of fellow wrist-spinners Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain.Australia’s squad for the Bangladesh T20I 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.
