Watch: Indian origin player Nikhil Chaudhary picks maiden wicket in BBL, celebrates with a thigh-five like Shikhar Dhawan

India-born Nikhil Chaudhary made his debut for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL 2023-24.

The 13th edition of the Big Bash League is underway, with the Perth Scorchers defending their title. The tournament has reached the halfway point of the group stage, and fight for the top four spots has become more intense. This edition has some exciting players from across the globe that are showcasing their talents at this big stage in Australia.

It also has one India-born all-rounder, Nikhil Chaudhary, who has had some interesting moments in the first few games he has played in his BBL career. The 27-year-old made his BBL debut for the Hobart Hurricanes on December 20 against the defending champions Perth Scorchers. He impressed everyone with a gritty 31-ball 40 runs in his debut innings under pressure. Though his team lost that game, he was one of the positives for the Hurricanes.

Watch: Nikhil Chaudhary’s eye-catching celebration after taking his maiden BBL wicket

The all-rounder has made some notable contributions with the bat in a couple of games so far. However, on Monday, he also showcased his bowling skills. The Hurricanes took on the Sydney Thunders in match no. 21 on January 1, and Nikhil bowled a pretty good spell. He ended with 2/26 in his four overs and was the pick of the bowlers.

He picked up his maiden BBL wicket when he dismissed Cameron Bancroft in his very first over. It came in the final ball of the fifth over when Bancroft hit the ball straight towards Nikhil, who caught a sharp catch to register his maiden BBL wicket. After that wicket, the all-rounder did a “thigh-five” celebration, just like veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan.

Sydney Thunder could only manage a score of 150/8 in the first innings. In reply, the Hurricanes made 151/3 in 18.1 overs to register only their second win in the season. Nikhil Chaudhary was born in Delhi and has played first-class matches for Punjab. The all-rounder has represented Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy as well. His last game for Punjab came in November 2019.

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