Delhi-born all-rounder added to Australia's squad for T20I series vs Bangladesh, rare debut since 1964 on cards

30-year-old Delhi-born all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, who made his domestic cricket debut under the captaincy of Harbhajan Singh in 2017, has been added to Australia's squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh.

In the absence of Travis Head, who has been granted 'personal leave', Chaudhary can become the first Indian-born to put on the Australia jersey and played international cricket since 1964.

ALSO READ: 3 ducks in 2 overs, Australia batting crumbles even before Nahid Rana was given the ball; watch video

"The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad," selector Tony Dodemaide said of Chaudary.

ALSO READ: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi misses maiden fifty for India A, falls to Afghan pacer for 22-ball 44; watch video

"Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and 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."

Australia’s updated T20I squad vs Bangladesh

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.

Chaudhary to script history

While Indian origin players Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha have played for Australia men’s team, none of the India-born player has played for them since 1964. In Test against India at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sallers made his Test debut and only international cricket appearance. In women’s cricket, Pune-born Lisa Sthalekar adopted by Australian parents played for the women's team from 2001 to 2013.

Chaudhary looking for middle-order spot

The T20I series is scheduled to begin on June 17. Head is already out of the series whereas Mitchell Marsh is nursing an ankle injury he sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Chaudhary will be fighting for a spot with middle order players Aaron Hardie and Joel Davies. While Hardie was in super form in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Davies is yet to prove his mettle.

Chaudhary’s BBL season with Hobart Hurricanes

Chaudhary was with Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2026 but not officially as part of their squad. He had a good Big Bash League (BBL) season with the bat, scoring 307 runs from 11 innings for Hobart Hurricanes, averaging 30.70 and strike rate of 153.50. His BBL best of 38-ball 79 came against Melbourne Renegades last season. he has been picked in the T20I squad in an attempt to counter spin as he has experience in spin-friendly pitches of India.