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Australia-based Nikhil Chaudhary enters IPL auction as Indian domestic player; Here's how

Kaushik Kashyap

Nikhil Chaudhary. [Source - AFP Photos]Nikhil Chaudhary. [Source - AFP Photos]

A rare sight in IPL history, Nikhil Chaudhary, despite playing full-time first-class and Big Bash cricket in Australia, has managed to register as an Indian player for the IPL 2026 auction. His eligibility has sparked curiosity, intrigue and excitement among fans and IPL teams alike.

At 29, the Delhi-born all-rounder stands at a unique crossroads, representing Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield while simultaneously entering the IPL as a domestic pick under Punjab Cricket Association. His journey back into the Indian system has made the world take notice, marking one of the most unique ways to get to the IPL auction shortlist.

BBL all-rounder registers as Indian domestic player in IPL 2026 auction

Nikhil Chaudhary’s story began like countless young cricketers, dreaming of wearing India’s blue. From age-group cricket to the senior Punjab side, his cricketing journey was on the right track, sharing dressing rooms with the likes of Yuvraj Singh and rising stars such as Shubman Gill.

But his life changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelling to Australia as a tourist, he suddenly found himself stranded, with no return date in sight. Convinced his cricket career was slipping away, he started afresh again and after three years in the 2023-24 season, the Hobart Hurricanes picked him into the Big Bash League.

Two years later, he earned his first-class debut for Tasmania this October, taking a five-wicket haul on debut and smashing a century against New South Wales later in November.

With the IPL 2026 auction just around the corner, leg-spin all-rounder Nikhil has been shortlisted in Set 35 (All-Rounders) under the Punjab Cricket Association, among the 350 players on the list. His inclusion as an Indian domestic talent with active participation in foreign leagues has become a big talking point.

Update: However, the BCCI later updated IPL auction list, and there, made Nikhil Chaudhary an Australian (overseas) player.