Hobart Hurricanes all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, one of the few Punjabi-heritage players in this year’s Big Bash League, says, "his journey to the BBL has been built on patience, faith and hard work."
Originally from Kohara village near Ludhiana, Punjab, India he moved to Australia in 2000 and navigated the COVID-19 disruptions, visa changes, and multiple jobs while continuing to pursue cricket.
“I came to Australia during COVID and had to switch to a student visa. I worked different jobs and kept playing cricket whenever I could,” Nikhil told SBS Punjabi.
In the process, the 28-year-old became the second Indian-origin male cricketer to grace Australia's Big Bash League (BBL), following Unmukt Chand.
Before starting his cricketing journey in Australia, Nikhil represented Punjab in the Ranji Trophy – India's premier first-class cricket championship.
“One of my most memorable moments here was when Brett Lee asked me in Hindi, ‘Aap kaise ho?’ I also taught him and Adam Gilchrist a few Punjabi dance moves. I love promoting our culture,” Nikhil said.
He has emerged as the most visible Punjabi-heritage cricketer this season, backed by strong recent Sheffield Shield performances for Tasmania.
This season, Nikhil’s bat features a masala sticker from Punjabi-Australian entrepreneur Ramneek Wayne, co‑founder of Aunty Jenny — a Melbourne‑based spice brand bringing farm‑fresh Indian spices directly to Australian kitchens with a focus on transparency and ethical sourcing.
"Nikhil’s discipline and struggle inspired us. Seeing a Punjabi cricketer backed by a Punjabi business on the BBL stage will send a very positive message to the next generation”, Ramneek told SBS Punjabi.
“Representation matters, and this is the best kind of collaboration."
Ramneek says his support for Nikhil goes beyond sponsorship; it’s about celebrating culture and community pride on one of Australia’s biggest sporting stages.
For news, information, and interviews in Punjabi from Australia and the homeland, tune into SBS Punjabi live, Monday to Friday at 4 pm, on SBS South Asian, digital radio (channel 305 on your television) or via the SBS Audio app. You can also stream directly from our website.
