Nikhil Chaudhary, a 27-year-old all-rounder from Punjab, recently shared insights into his cricket journey and experiences in a brief interview. Having secured a deal with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), he becomes the second Indian cricketer after Unmukt Chand to grace the BBL stage.
During this BBL season, Chaudhary has exhibited notable performances with both bat and ball for the Hobart Hurricanes. Accumulating 72 runs in two innings and claiming three wickets in three matches, he maintains an impressive strike rate of 153.19 with the bat and an economical bowling rate of 6.71 in seven overs, showcasing his skills as a valuable all-rounder.
Nikhil Chaudhary, primarily a batting all-rounder, entered the Australian cricket scene due to travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially involved in club cricket matches, he also balanced work as a courier for Australia Post to make ends meet. His breakthrough came when he smashed seven sixes in a club cricket match, bringing him into the spotlight.
In a recent interview, Chaudhary expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli, citing Kohli’s aggression and exceptional cricketing skills as inspiring. He mentioned, “I’m a big fan of his aggression and obviously his skills but how good he is as a cricketer. I have been totally following him for the last 10 years and he has been growing and growing.”
Reflecting on his diverse work experiences in Australia, Chaudhary shared, “When I moved here, I started working in a Mexican restaurant bar. I talked to my mum; I was pretty bad with my knives and stuff. I literally cut my index finger, so my mum was like you can’t do that; you need to find some other job. So I started doing a courier job for Australia Post for the last two years but I quit it like three months ago when I got the contract.”
Despite having tried out for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) without success, the pandemic-induced circumstances in Brisbane propelled Chaudhary into active participation in Australian club cricket. Playing grade cricket in Brisbane ultimately led to him securing a contract with the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL.
Chaudhary also acknowledged the influence of Tim David in enhancing his skills as a finisher. As the Hobart Hurricanes gear up to face the Brisbane Heat, currently positioned mid-table with three wins and three defeats, Chaudhary remains a key player, contributing significantly in the last two matches.
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