Hobart Hurricanes sign hard-hitting all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary for three more seasons

Nikhil Chaudhary made his Big Bash League (BBL) debut in the 2023-2024 edition of the tournament and made some vital contributions with the bat and ball for the Hobart Hurricanes. The Tasmanian club has now signed him for the next three seasons of the tournament.

In BBL 13, Chaudhary scored 154 runs at an average of 25.67 and a strike rate of 142.59. He also bagged five wickets with his wrist spin. The 27-year-old became only the second Indian player after Unmukt Chand to play in the BBL. The Punjab-born moved to Australia from India in 2020 and was coached by Hurricanes Assistant Coach, James Hopes, in the KFC Queensland T20 Max Competition.

The former Australia all-rounder was impressed with Chaudhary's talent and recommended his name to the Hurricanes management ahead of BBL 13. The team subsequently roped in the right-handed batter. Hurricanes Head Coach, Jeff Vaughan was impressed with the skills Chaudhary brought to the table and loved his mentality when playing the game.

"Nikhil was one of our stronger performers during BBL|13, to watch his growth as a cricketer and take his opportunity when it was given to him - was fantastic for our team and supporters," Vaughan was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.

"Re-signing 'Nikky' for another 3 years gives us a talented leg-spinning allrounder, but also someone who can help continue to build our culture and brand of Hurricanes cricket."

Chaudhary scored an impressive 40 off 31 balls on his BBL debut against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium. Against Brisbane Heat, he registered his highest score, smashing 55 off 37 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to get back to Blundstone Arena: Nikhil Chaudhary

Chaudhary will be joining the likes of Tim David, Patrick Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, and Matthew Wade, who are under contract with the Hurricanes ahead of BBL 14. He would love to help his team win a maiden BBL title next season. After receiving a contract extension, Chaudhary expressed his gratitude and said that he is waiting to return to the league.

"I am super excited to be re-signing with the Hobart Hurricanes. I am so grateful for this opportunity to get back to Blundstone Arena and enjoy playing with you guys, being able to do my celebration and hitting more sixes," Chaudhary said.