Australian all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary grabbed attention ahead of the IPL 2026 auction after he was listed as an uncapped player for India despite plying his trade in Australia. The 29-year-old features in the Uncapped All-rounders 5 (UAL5) set with a base price of Rs 40 lakh and his state association is recorded as Punjab Cricket Association, which clarifies his eligibility as an Indian participant.
Chaudhary made his List A and T20 debuts for Punjab in 2017 before moving overseas and, having not represented another country at international level, continues to qualify as an Indian player under IPL regulations.
Delhi-born Chaudhary is now on the verge of another major milestone in his unconventional career, with a potential debut in Australia’s premier red-ball competition, the Sheffield Shield. If selected, it will be his first ever first-class appearance as he has played List A cricket in India but has never appeared in the Ranji Trophy.
He has already represented Tasmania in the domestic competitions and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, where he played 20 matches, scoring 386 runs and taking nine wickets. He made his List A debut for Tasmania earlier this season in the One-Day Cup opener against New South Wales, taking 2 for 39 before hitting 67 off 49 balls in his second match against Victoria.
His path was anything but straightforward. After relocating to Australia in 2020, Chaudhary rebuilt his career from the ground up, starting with club cricket and weekend tournaments. His performances earned him his Big Bash League debut with the Hurricanes and eventually a state contract with Tasmania. “This debut is very close to my heart,” said Chaudhary. “When I left India, I never thought I would get another chance to get a national contract. To start again from local club games here in Australia and now to come out in a national jersey is like a dream come true.”
Cricket Tasmania High Performance general manager Salliann Beams praised the all-rounder’s determination. “Nikhil’s story is one of perseverance. Many players struggle to adapt after moving countries, but he kept pushing, scored consistently and showed resilience to make his debut not only for the Hurricanes but now for the Tigers ODC side. His experience in India and his desire to prove that he is a great asset to our team.”
Chaudhary’s rise adds a modern chapter to a rare tradition. Indian players featuring in Australian domestic cricket remain uncommon, with former Indian cricketer Rusi Surti famously representing Queensland in the 1960s. Chaudhary, who shared the Punjab dressing room with Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh and Siddharth Kaul, is only the second cricketer of Indian origin after Unmukt Chand to play in the BBL. “It’s been a long journey from Punjab to Tasmania,” he reflected. “I hope my story shows that no dream is too far away if you keep working towards it.”
As the IPL auction approaches, franchises will evaluate the 77 available slots, including 31 overseas positions. Out of 1390 registrations received, 350 players were shortlisted – 240 Indians and 110 foreign recruits. The pool contains 224 unlimited Indian players and 14 unlimited overseas players. With a starting price of Rs 40 lakh and an impressive all-round profile shaped across two continents, Nikhil Chaudhary enters the auction as one of India’s most exciting uncapped options.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 9, 2025
