Nikhil Chaudhary’s rise from Punjab debut to Big Bash League hero at Hobart Hurricanes

Nikhil Chaudhary was overlooked by BBL clubs for three years after moving to Australia — then one decision changed his career forever. TIM MICHELL speaks to the second Indian-born cricketer to play Big Bash.

A life-changing intercontinental move, a close shave at a Mexican restaurant and a stint as a courier driver tell only part of Nikhil Chaudhary’s incredible story, which enters a new chapter today with a three-year Hobart Hurricanes contract.

Chaudhary debuted for Punjab in 2017 in a team featuring Yuvraj Singh, Shubman Gill and captained by Harbhajan Singh. It wasn’t long before IPL franchises took note of his talents, with at least two making contact to organise trials.

That dream didn’t eventuate.

A new one soon did.

After uprooting his life during the Covid-19 pandemic by moving from India to Queensland, the 27-year-old earned a reputation as one of the most destructive hitters in the sunshine state’s T20 Max competition.

Yet, despite having his case pushed to BBL clubs, no offer materialised.

The tipping point came when Chaudhary was eligible to nominate as a local player, allowing Hobart Hurricanes to pounce on the all-rounder.

“You’ve got to be living here for more than three years, then obviously (have) all the documents and stuff,” Chaudhary said. “Luckily I had everything done with my management and Cricket Australia approved it.”

Nikhil Chaudhary that is INSANE! 🤯 #BBL13pic.twitter.com/CC9ENToWv5

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 7, 2024

Nikhil Chaudhary has re-signed with Hobart until 2027. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Being listed as a local meant Chaudhary had to relinquish his chance to be signed as a domestic player by a franchise in T20 cricket’s pinnacle — the Indian Premier League.

“I didn’t even know if I was going to get a game this season, to be honest. I was happy to be there with the team, with all the big players,” he said.

“When I got my opportunity I am happy and grateful I did a good job for them. Never thought about playing IPL or stuff like that.

“Obviously when you start performing you get offers. But I am not a person who thinks ahead of myself.”

Chaudhary weighed up interest from other BBL teams after a breakout summer during which he compiled 154 runs and took five wickets in nine matches.

On Wednesday, his emergence was rewarded with a new deal which will tie Chaudhary to the Hurricanes until 2027.

“Nikhil was one of our stronger performers during BBL13,” coach Jeff Vaughan said.

“To watch his growth as a cricketer and take his opportunity when it was given to him was fantastic for our team and supporters.”

How talented is Nikhil Chaudhary!#BBL13pic.twitter.com/PHzzTIz1Qz

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 28, 2023

Nikhil Chaudhary celebrates a wicket with Nathan Ellis. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

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Chaudhary lived the life of many semi-professional sportspeople before his long-awaited BBL chance.

He worked in a Mexican restaurant, but only lasted a week when he cut his finger so badly he feared doing enough damage to end his cricket career prematurely.

Then he jumped behind the wheel of an Australia Post van, working as a courier.

He quit not long after signing with the Hurricanes, determined to capitalise on his move to the Apple Isle and make a name for himself in his adopted homeland.

“When you perform at club level there are talks around, people do talk that ‘he can’t make it on the biggest level’,” Chaudhary said.

“But it was my biggest achievement to go in there and perform for a team in the Big Bash. “That’s the biggest level you can have mate. If you can perform there, there’s nothing better than that.”

Chaudhary’s emergence as the second Indian-born cricketer to feature in the Big Bash after Unmukt Chand attracted headlines throughout the summer in India.

“It’s a dream come true, mate. You never think about these things,” he said.

“I dreamed about playing Big Bash, but I never thought about being recognisable in such a big population. After those couple of shots, getting wickets, good catches, good celebrations, people started loving me. It was unreal, mate.”

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Chaudhary’s big breakfast had only just arrived when Hobart coach Jeff Vaughan’s number flashed on his phone. He had travelled with the Hurricanes to Perth as a reserve for Matthew Wade, who was battling a back issue.

“(Vaughan) said, ‘Nikhy, just get ready because Wade wasn’t feeling alright. He has a back spasm’,” Chaudhary recalls.

“That anxiety came into me and then I literally left all my big breakfast. I just had one hash brown and a cappuccino and then went back to my hotel and got ready, had a bit of sleep before the game knowing that I might play.

“Just before, one hour before the game, Wadey played in the nets, he tried to hit some balls but he wasn’t fine. Then I got to know, ‘Yeah, I’m playing’.”

A few hours later, Nathan Ellis won the toss and batted with Chaudhary listed at No.6. He was facing the full force of the BBL’s most-menacing bowling attack 25 balls later with Hobart reeling at 4-28.

“It was an unusual situation for me,” Chaudhary said.

“But the thing is … for the last 10-12 years I have been playing professional cricket.

“I know one thing, it doesn’t matter which situation you are (in), you’ve got to play your own game. My game is fearless. It doesn’t matter which bowler it is. It doesn’t matter what field it is. I’ve just got to be fearless. That was my main thing.

“It was the best bowling attack in Australia. All four fast bowlers play for Australia, the only spinner in the team plays for Australia. I was like, ‘Let’s see what we’ve got’.

“I hit a couple of fours (from) Andrew Tye. After that my nerves, they calmed down. I started playing my own shots and that was amazing.”

Chaudhary carved 40 from 31 balls in an innings that won praise from T20 journeyman and Hurricanes teammate Chris Jordan.

“It’s not easy coming in in a situation like that on debut,” Jordan said.

James Hopes has been pivotal to Chaudhary’s rise. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Nikhil Chaudhary bowls during BBL13. Picture: Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images

Nikhil Chaudhary is loving life as a professional cricketer. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

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James Hopes is a veteran of the 20-over format - indeed, he played in Australia’s first T20 international back in 2005 - and is now passing on his knowledge to the next generation as an assistant coach at Hobart and head coach of Brisbane grade club Northern Suburbs’ T20 side.

“(Hopes) saw me first when he came to coach us for the first year. I reckon after that season, I really played good, striking at 190, averaging 50 in T20,” Chaudhary said.

“I’ve been learning for him the last two years and still learning from him. He’s been such a huge inspiration for me.”

Ashley Holznagel, who coaches Northern Suburbs Premier firsts, lauded Hopes’ influence on Chaudhary.

“Last season he gave Nikhy the role to bat at five, six, seven and go hard from the word go when he goes out to bat. His mentality has been like that ever since,” Holznagel said.

“He’s matured over my two years at the club. His bowling, there’s always something happening. He’s just one of those blokes.

“He bowls and there’s just something (that) happens. There’s always a chance of a wicket or a play-and-miss or a boundary, there’s just something happening.

“That’s the gift Nikhy has got.”

Originally published as Nikhil Chaudhary’s rise from Punjab debut to Big Bash League hero at Hobart Hurricanes