Nikhil Chaudhary is set to make an interesting return to India, but this time as an Australian cricketer. The Indian-born all-rounder has been picked in Australia A’s one-day squad for the upcoming tour of India.
His selection is notable because it gives him an opportunity to play a List A match in India while representing Australia A.
Cricket Australia has announced squads for the Australia A tour of India, which includes a two-match four-day series and three one-day matches against India A.
Who is Nikhil Chaudhary?
Nikhil Chaudhary was born in Delhi in 1996. The 30-year-old is a right-handed batter and leg-spinner who has built his cricket career in Australia.
He has already represented the Australian national team in three T20Is, taking two wickets with his leg-spin.
His upcoming India tour will be a different experience, as he will return to his birthplace while wearing Australian colours.
How did Nikhil Chaudhary move to Australia?
Chaudhary’s journey to Australian cricket has been far from straightforward. He was stranded in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, which eventually changed the direction of his career.
He later obtained permanent residency and continued pursuing his cricketing ambitions in Australia. During his early years there, Chaudhary also worked several jobs, including shifts at restaurants, to support himself. His journey has now taken him to an Australia A squad that will travel to India.
Nikhil Chaudhary gets Australia A call-up
Chaudhary has been included in Australia’s one-day squad for the India A series. He is among several promising players selected for the tour, including Mahli Beardman, Sam Konstas, Todd Murphy, Liam Scott and Lachlan Shaw.
Australia A one-day squad
Mahli Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott and Lachlan Shaw.
Nikhil Chaudhary’s recent cricket record
Chaudhary played in the 2025-26 Australia One Day Cup, where he picked up eight wickets in six innings. His batting also gives Australia an additional option in the middle and lower order.
He has also featured in The Hundred in 2026, although his recent performances there have not been particularly strong. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball remains one of his biggest strengths.
Why is Nikhil Chaudhary important for Australia A?
India’s conditions could suit Chaudhary’s spin bowling. His ability to bat at No. 6 or lower also gives Australia A some useful depth.
The upcoming tour will therefore be an important opportunity for him to show that he can perform consistently in subcontinental conditions. A strong series could also help him push for more opportunities with Australia’s senior team.
Australia A Test squad also announced
Cricket Australia has also announced its four-day squad for the India A series. The squad includes experienced players such as Peter Handscomb and Jhye Richardson, along with several young prospects. Ashes-winning fast bowler Brendan Doggett is also part of the 15-member squad.
Australia A four-day squad
Brendan Doggett, Jack Edwards, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Jason Sangha and Liam Scott.
Peter Handscomb and Sam Konstas among players to watch
Peter Handscomb will be one of the biggest names to watch during the India A series. He has not played international cricket since the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and will be hoping for strong performances in India to revive his Test comeback hopes.
Sam Konstas is another player who will attract attention. The young batter made his Test debut during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy but has experienced mixed results since then. He averaged 33.00 in the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season, with one century and two half-centuries.
Nikhil Chaudhary’s India return has an interesting story
For Chaudhary, this tour is about more than just cricket. He was born in India but has built his professional career in Australia. Now, he is set to return to the country of his birth as part of the Australia A squad.
The India A vs Australia A series could give Chaudhary an important platform to prove himself in familiar surroundings while continuing his journey towards a more permanent place in Australian cricket.