A funny incident has emerged ahead of the third T20I between India and Australia in Hobart.
Former Punjab cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary, now settled in Australia, invited Indian team stars Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana to his home for dinner.
Nikhil shared the photo on Instagram, captioning it, “Oh Punjabi aagaye oye.” Fans burst out laughing.
Nikhil played with Abhishek and Arshdeep in the Punjab team, so old friendships were rekindled.
Check out: India Women Playing XI vs South Africa for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final
Nikhil’s Struggle-filled Journey
Nikhil Chaudhary had played in every age group for Punjab, but failed to find a place in Indian domestic cricket. After the COVID lockdown ended, he made the big decision to stay in Australia.
Life there wasn’t easy. To keep his cricketing dream alive, he worked as a meat cutter, delivered parcels, and even drove an Uber. But he didn’t give up. His hard work paid off when the Hobart Hurricanes landed him a contract in the Big Bash League.
There, he hit Pakistan’s Haris Rauf for a six and celebrated with a thigh-high five – the video went viral!
This year, he made his Sheffield Shield debut for Tasmania. He got a chance after Matthew Kuehnemann called him up to the national team. Despite suffering from a fever on the final day, he scored an unbeaten 76, helping the team to a draw.
Chief selector George Bailey witnessed it himself. Under the guidance of seniors like Matthew Wade and James Hopes, Nikhil’s fighting spirit shone through. The 29-year-old all-rounder never gave up.
Check: How Much Prize Money Awaits India in Women’s World Cup 2025 Final?
The Australian dream, one step at a time
Now, Nikhil’s next target is playing for Australia.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, he said, “That will happen too, one tick box at a time.”
The passion that runs in Punjabi blood is evident on the Australian pitches as well. Indian fans will cheer Nikhil during the match in Hobart as he has now become the face of both the teams.
