India’s Nikhil Chaudhary has made history by becoming the first Indian to score a century in the Sheffield Shield this century. The Delhi-born batter smashed 163 runs for Tasmania against New South Wales to take the upper hand in the clash. His brilliant innings helped Tasmania declare at 623 for 8 on the third day. This was Nikhil’s maiden first-class century for Tasmania.
Earlier, Caleb Jewell had given Tasmania a solid start with a 102-run opening stand, and after that, Tim Ward and Nikhil both scored centuries, helping Tasmania post their second-highest total in Sheffield Shield history. New South Wales struggled in reply, reduced to 9/0 in just five overs by Sam Konstas and Ryan Hicks by stumps, making it clear they would have to fight hard to save a draw.
From India to Australia: Nikhil’s Journey
Nikhil played ODI cricket for Punjab before moving to Australia in 2020. He featured with the star players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh during his time in India. Stranded in Australia during the COVID lockdown, Nikhil decided to stay on and eventually became an Australian citizen.
Nikhil's struggles before getting BBL contract
Eventually, his life was not easy and to keep his cricketing dreams alive, he worked various jobs, cutting meat, delivering parcels, and even driving for Uber. The star cricketer's hard work and dedication paid off when he got a contract with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he famously hit a six off Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf.
How Nikhil got a call-up for the Sheffield Shield
After Matthew Kuhnemann got a call-up for selection in the national team, Nikhil earned his call-up for the Sheffield Shield, where he smashed a ton to become the first Indian cricketer in the century to do so.