Key Points
- Nikhil Chaudhary recently became the second Indian-origin men’s player to appear in Australia's Big Bash League.
- After arriving in Australia, he worked in a restaurant and as a postman while chipping away at his dream.
- He left behind a promising career in India's premier first-class cricket championship.
Nikhil Chaudhary said his "dream came true" when he made his debut for the Hobart Hurricanes late last year.
In the process, the 27-year-old became only the second Indian-origin men's cricketer to grace Australia's Big Bash League (BBL), following Unmukt Chand.
"My goal was to play for any of the franchises in the BBL, as it is one of the biggest tournaments alongside the IPL (Indian Premier League)," he told SBS Gujarati.
His rise to the national T20 cricket competition came after several years excelling for Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club in Brisbane.
But the journey was anything but straightforward.
Leaving his cricket career in India
Before starting his cricketing journey in Australia, Chaudhary represented Punjab in the Ranji Trophy – India's premier first-class cricket championship.
Nikhil Chaudhary bats during the BBL match between Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes at The Gabba, Brisbane, on 7 January, 2024. Credit: Albert Perez/Getty Images
Then in March 2020, he came to Australia for a holiday.
"I was just here for the holidays to see my uncle, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the borders between Australia and India were closed, and flights were cancelled," he said
Therefore, I stayed here until the borders opened again, but by then, I was already loving my cricket here. So, I started playing premiership cricket for the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club.Nikhil Chaudhary
His consistent performances eventually opened doors for the BBL contact.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is understood to bar active Indian men's cricketers from playing in leagues around the world other than the IPL.
When asked by SBS Gujarati about the rule recently, Mike Hussey, the former Australian cricketer and batting coach of the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, said, "Obviously, we would love to [see Indian men's cricketers in the BBL]. They are amazing players, and certainly would create a lot of interest but I understand the reasons behind it."
"The BCCI want to protect the IPL branding and keep it as a very strong, the strongest T20 competition in the world. So I understand the theory behind it."
Hard work pays off
Leaving behind his established cricket career in India, Chaudhary faced numerous challenges, including being far from his family.
"I had to do all the stuff by myself, from cooking. to paying the rent and all the bills, and I've been doing that for the last four years," he said.
Nikhil Chaudhary worked for the Australia Post during his early days in Australia. Credit: Nikhil Chaudhary
Chaudhary had a stint working in a Mexican restaurant, but that ended after he cut his index finger on the job.
Then, he worked for the Australia Post as a postman.
"It was a tough job, a very physical job. You have to do 200-250 parcels every day," he added.
Chaudhary would wake up at 5:30 am to go to work and finish by 1 pm. He would go to cricket training in the evening, followed by time in the gym.
Contract with Hobart Hurricanes
For two years, Chaudhary performed strongly for the Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club in T20 tournaments and other formats.
There his coach was James Hopes, the former Australian cricket team all-rounder, who is also the assistant coach of the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL.
Nikhil Chaudhary reacts during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder in Hobart on 1 January, 2024. Credit: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images
Impressive debut
In the 2023-24 season, Chaudhary played nine games for the Hobart Hurricanes and scored 154 runs at an average of 25.67 runs, including one half-century (55 runs).
He also bowled 19 overs, taking five wickets, making him a strong contributor to the team.
To be honest, when I got contracted, my first focus was to play a game in the Big Bash, but I never knew I was going to play all these games.Nikhil Chaudhary
"I did pretty well in my debut innings. We lost five wickets for 40 runs, and I played my innings, scored 40 runs from 30 balls and got the team back on track, and it was a good start," he said.
While happy with his performances, Chaudhary believes he has more to offer.
"I think I can do much better for my team than I did this (season) here," he added.
Memorable moments
Chaudhary lists hitting a six against Pakistani pace bowler Harris Rauf and chatting with Brett Lee in Hindi as a couple of his most memorable moments in the T20 tournament.
Recalling the six against the Melbourne Stars, he said it was "overwhelming" to see his hit shared all over the Internet.
Everyone was texting and tagging me in the video. It just went viral all over just within a few minutes after I hit it.Nikhil Chaudhary
"After the game, when I got my phone back, I saw thousands and thousands of messages from all over the world about that six. It was amazing to hit that kind of six off Rauf," he added.
While he was fielding in a match, Chaudhary had the opportunity to speak to Brett Lee, one of his cricket idols, who was on commentary duty.
He said he was surprised when the Australian bowling legend addressed him in Hindi.
"We talked in Hindi and did some dance steps after the game," he said.
Nikhil with Melbourne Stars players Glenn Maxwell (L) and Marcus Stoinis (R) during one of the matches in the BBL. Credit: Nikhil Chaudhary
Future goals
In February, the talented big-hitting batter and leg-spin bowler had his contract renewed at the Hobart Hurricanes until the 2026-27 season.
“Nikhil was one of our stronger performers during BBL|13, to watch his growth as a cricketer and take his opportunity when it was given to him - was fantastic for our team and supporters," the club's head coach, Jeff Vaughan, said in a press statement.
Chaudhary's next goal is to play state cricket in Australia.
"I will be working much harder now because my game has been recognised at the highest level in Australia and across the world," he said.
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