Indian-origin all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, currently an active domestic cricketer in Australia, has drawn attention after being listed as an “uncapped Indian” in the IPL 2026 auction shortlist. Despite playing full-time for Tasmania and featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Hobart Hurricanes, the BCCI has categorised him under the Punjab Cricket Association with a base price of ₹40 lakh.
The classification has sparked discussions because Chaudhary has been part of Australian cricket for years, yet IPL rules determine categories based on nationality and board registration—not the geographical location of a player’s career. This allowed him to register as a domestic Indian player.
Nikhil Chaudhary’s Journey from India to Australian Cricket
Born in Delhi and raised within India’s cricketing system, Chaudhary represented Punjab and made his List A and T20 debut in 2017. A visit to Australia in 2020 for training unexpectedly turned into a full relocation during the COVID-19 lockdown. He balanced club cricket with part-time jobs before earning opportunities in higher-level competitions through consistent performances.
His impressive displays eventually secured him a BBL contract with Hobart Hurricanes. Chaudhary also grabbed headlines by scoring a breakthrough century in the Sheffield Shield, becoming the first Indian-origin player in this century to achieve the milestone. Over time, he established himself as a dependable batting all-rounder for Tasmania across formats.
Why He Qualifies as an “Uncapped Indian” in the IPL
Even though Chaudhary plays professionally in Australia, IPL regulations classify players strictly based on their citizenship and state association. Since he holds Indian nationality and registered through the Punjab Cricket Association, he is eligible to enter the IPL as an uncapped domestic player.
His inclusion comes in a year when 350 players have been shortlisted for the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi, including 240 Indians and 110 overseas players. With strong recent performances in Australian cricket and valuable all-round credentials, Chaudhary could emerge as an attractive option for franchises seeking Indian middle-order stability combined with part-time bowling depth.
