India-born Nikhil Chaudhary called into Australia T20I squad

Tasmania. Hobart Hurricanes legspinning allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary, who was born in India, has been called into his maiden Australia T20I squad as a replacement for the rested Travis Head.

Chaudhary. 30, played 14 matches for Punjab between 2017-19, including 12 T20s across the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (inter-state) as well as two List A games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

He travelled to Australia to visit his uncle in Queensland in 2020 when Australia shut its international borders due to the Covid pandemic. Chaudhary remained in the country and currently holds a temporary visa that is valid until 2027. He does not yet have permanent residency or citizenship. his five years living in Australia allows him to qualify to play for the national side under ICC rules despite not yet being a citizen. He has had three excellent seasons in the BBL for Hurricanes after being spotted by then Hurricanes bowling coach. now Sydney Sixers coach, James Hopes while playing grade cricket in Brisbane.

Chaudhary played a key role in Hurricanes' BBL title in 2024-25. has since made his List A and first-class debuts for Tasmania, including making a maiden Sheffield Shield century and taking a maiden five-wicket haul.

Chaudhary trained with Australia's squad in Brisbane before they departed for Pakistan. was not initially in the squad with Joel Davies called in as a spinning allrounder. But the absence of Head has opened the door for Chaudhary to be called in.

"Nikhil has been a player of national interest for some time," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said. "He was a standby player for this tour, joining the squad at pre-season camps in Brisbane. comes in as a replacement for Travis Head.

"The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad. He has also been part of the Delhi Capitals setup in this year's IPL.

"Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh. will be in contention to play his first game for Australia when we sit down to pick a team for the opening T20 fixture here next week."

The last India-born male to represent Australia was legspinner Rex Sellers who played his sole Test in Kolkata in 1964. Former Australia women's captain Lisa Sthalekar represented Australia 187 times across all forms after being born in Pune.

Australia are still hopeful T20I captain Mitchell Marsh will be fit for the series after being ruled out of the two preceding ODI series against Pakistan. Bangladesh due to an ankle injury. Marsh was seen having a net session in Dhaka during the second ODI.

Australia also welcome in fresh faces for the T20I series with Davies, Tim David, Spencer Johnson, Josh Philippe. Aaron Hardie joining the squad having not been part of the ODIs.