All-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary from Ludiana is living his dream. He is the second Indian cricketer after Unmukt Chand to play in Australian T20 Big Bash League (BBL). The 27-year-old cricketer is currently representing Hobart Hurricanes.
Nikhil worked as a delivery boy for Australia Post for two years before he signed up for Hobart Hurricanes. The all-rounder has scripted some success during his early days in BBL. He cracked a 30-ball 40 against Perth Scorchers on debut.
Nikhil was on cloud nine when he met his childhood hero Brett Lee during the former Australian pacer’s commentary stint in the league.
“I started as a fast bowler when I started playing cricket and copied Lee’s action. I wanted to become an accomplished speedster like him. However, it did not last long and I eventually became leggie. I am enjoying playing in the BBL after toiling hard in Australia for three-and-a-half years. Me and Lee chatted during an interaction in Hindi as well,” said Nikhil.
“I did not know I was getting a chance to play against Perth Scorchers. At the last moment, Mattew Wade got injured and I was his replacement in the playing XI,” he added.
Nikhil hogged the limelight when he swatted Pakistani star pacer Haris Rauf for a six over cover point en route his 32 off just 16 balls against Melbourne Stars. He is also among wickets thanks to his handy leg spin.
“I was doing well for Punjab and was aiming for a Ranji Trophy debut. But destiny had planned something else for me. I moved to Brisbane for a holiday in March 2020 with my uncle and BBL happened after a heavy struggle,” said the all-rounder.
Notably, Nikhil had earned a reputation as an all-rounder while playing for Punjab U-16s and U-19s.