Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary earned Australia’s first call-up for Bangladesh in the T20Is

Nikhil Chaudhary (Getty Images) Delhi-born spin-bowling all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary moved a step closer to a remarkable cricketing milestone after being named in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.The 30-year-old became the first Indian-born cricketer in over 60 years to earn a place in the Australian national team. Australia will play a three-match T20I series in Chattogram from June 17-21, with Chaudhary now in contention to make his international debut.Currently representing JB Bruges in Belgium’s EUT20 competition, Chaudhary was also part of the Delhi Capitals set-up during the recent IPL season. He is expected to link up with the Australian white-ball team in Dhaka on Friday.National coach Tony Dodemaide said the all-rounder had impressed the selection committee with his performances in the Big Bash League.“The panel were impressed with his BBL form, especially last season, which led to his addition to the squad,” selector Tony Dodemaide said, according to cricket.com.au.“Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and will be in contention for his first match for Australia when we sit down to select the team for the opening T20 match next week,” he added.According to cricket.com.au, Chaudhary’s selection is historically significant.“Australia has seen several players of Indian origin in international cricket, including Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha, but not since the 1960s (when Rex Sellars, the Gujarat leg-spinner who featured in the 1964 Calcutta Test) has an Indian-born man played for the national side,” the website said.Pune-born women’s cricket legend Lisa Sthalekar represented Australia from 2003 to 2013 and remains one of the country’s most celebrated players. However, Chaudhary’s inclusion marks a rare achievement in the men’s game.Although he has not yet become an Australian citizen, Chaudhary is a permanent resident and meets the ICC’s requirements to represent Australia.Before relocating, the Delhi-born cricketer played 14 List A matches for Punjab in Indian domestic cricket. His move to Australia came under unusual circumstances. During his uncle’s visit to Queensland in 2020, travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic extended his stay in the country. While trying to make it big, Chaudhary worked several jobs, including delivering mail as a postman.His fortunes changed after former Australian all-rounder James Hopes spotted his talent and helped him enter the local cricket circuit.Chaudhary’s rise gained momentum with the Hobart Hurricanes where he played a key role in their BBL|14 winning campaign. His strongest season with the bat came last summer when he scored 307 runs at an average of 30.70 and a strike rate of 153. His bowling opportunities were more limited due to the presence of fellow batsmen Rehan Ahmed and Rishad Hossain.Australia Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa.