Hobart Hurricanes star Nikhil Chaudhary chasing state contract

Nikhil Chaudhary is weighing up interest from several clubs in the BBL, but is chasing a state contract after a breakout season with the Hurricanes.

Breakout BBL star Nikhil Chaudhary will prioritise a state contract over the riches of the T20 circuit as the all-rounder weighs up interest from several clubs.

The 27-year-old was one of the success stories of BBL13, becoming an important part of Hobart Hurricanes’ team as a middle-order batter and leg-spin threat.

Chaudhary, who moved to Australia in 2020 from India, scored 154 runs and took five wickets after being signed by the Hurricanes as a local.

Melbourne Renegades are reportedly one of the BBL franchises interested in signing Chaudhary for next summer.

“Back in India I was playing for my state. That’s been always the dream,” Chaudhary told this masthead.

“I’ve put in so much work from the last couple, three years.

“If I get the chance to play for a state I will do that first rather than playing for the franchises, because this is the time where you show off your talent to the different states and people here in Australia.

“No one watches much of franchise cricket, all the real cricket fans are very invested in state cricket, Big Bash. So I would love to get my opportunity and showcase my skills there.”

Nikhil Chaudhary has shone with bat and ball for the Hurricanes. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Chaudhary, who previously trialled with IPL teams and played for Punjab with Indian stars including Shubman Gill, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, is poised to cash in on his long-awaited BBL opportunity.

“My manager is talking everything. I just told him that (the two) best offers you’ve got, tell me and I will choose one of them,” he said.

“My preference is to play state cricket obviously, and Big Bash.

“My main focus right now (is to) play as much cricket (as I can) in Australia. Franchise cricket is not my focus right now. My main focus is state cricket and Big Bash.”

Chaudhary played under former Australian all-rounder and Hurricanes assistant coach James Hopes in Queensland’s T20 Max competition before being recommended to Hobart.

“I moved here in 2020 and obviously (the) last three years (have been) a rollercoaster for me. Up and down, working on the side and playing cricket,” he said.

“Obviously it’s been a bit tough, but at the same time fun. You’ve got to get through that phase to get to where I am today.

“I’m just enjoying the fruit right now from the hard (work) I did (in the) last three years. I’m very grateful for the opportunity from Hobart Hurricanes.”

A first BBL half century for Nikhil 😍

Talk about taking the competition by storm 🌪#TasmaniasTeampic.twitter.com/FBcO0SGvza

— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) January 8, 2024

Chaudhary sacrificed the opportunity to be signed as a domestic player by an Indian Premier League franchise when he applied to become a local BBL signing.

“Never thought about playing IPL or stuff like that,” he said.

“Obviously when you start performing you get offers, you get different things.

“But I am not a person who thinks ahead of myself. My main focus was just to perform for Hobart Hurricanes.”

Chaudhary said his preference was to remain in Hobart and reward the faith the Hurricanes had shown by giving him his BBL chance.

Originally published as Hobart Hurricanes star Nikhil Chaudhary chasing state contract