New Delhi: KFC Big Bash League season 13, has found its breakout star, as because of his all-around performances with the Hobart Hurricanes, Nikhil Chaudhary, an India-born player, has become the talk of the town.
Against Melbourne Stars, the 27-year-old, who played for the India U-19 cricket team, demonstrated his prowess with the bat by hitting the Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf all around the park in his blistering innings of 32 not-out off 16.
Haris Rauf to Nikhil Chaudhary#BBL13pic.twitter.com/RLN0Q579EE
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) December 28, 2023
Nikhil proved his mettle once again on Monday, this time with the ball, as he picked up two wickets in his four overs spell against the Sydney Thunder sides, leading the Hurricanes to their second win of the season.
First BBL wicket for Nikhil Chaudhary 🙌
You’ve got to admire the celebration too! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/PeD4cTiKYY
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 1, 2024
Who is Nikhil Chaudhary?
Nikhil Chaudhary, who was born in Delhi and relocated to Punjab with his family when he was a little child, had always wanted to be a fast bowler like Brett Lee, a former pacer for Australia, and was actually a fast bowler when he was in his early training days.
Although he was never able to fulfil his goal of being a fast bowler, he was a successful all-rounder for the U-19 cricket squad and was also picked for the Punjab team.
Playing around legends like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh while he was in Punjab proved to be a beneficial move for him.
What made Nikhil turn to Australia?
Chaudhary did not have any success during his two IPL trials with the Mumbai Indians in 2019. Things took a turn for the worst when the cricketer decided to try his luck in Australia while on vacation with his family in Brisbane and the borders were closed because of COVID-19.
He later decided to pursue his dream of cricket in Australia, and improve himself as a cricketer and as well a person with this new move.
Who recommended Nikhil to Hobart Hurricanes?
Chaudhary began playing club cricket for Northern Suburbs when he was employed as a courier for Australia Post.
His coach in Australia, former Australian cricketer James Hopes, brought Chaudhary’s name to the attention of the Hobart Hurricanes, citing his brilliant ability to hit big shots as well as impressive spin bowling. It eventually led to Chaudhary getting a BBL contract from the Hobart Hurricanes side.
Last time out, Nikhil introduced himself in a BIG way 👊
Hurricanes fans, who’s your tip to tee off at Blundstone tonight?#TasmaniasTeam pic.twitter.com/oiij62U0Ts
— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) December 23, 2023
In the short time that he has been a member of the Hurricanes, Chaudhary has established himself as a valued asset.
Notably, Chaudhary is only the second cricketer born in India, after Unmukt Chand, to feature in the BBL.
