‘The last two Indian-born players to play for Australia’ - Lisa Sthalekar reacts as Nikhil Chaudhary creates history

India-born all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary etched his name into Australian cricket history after making his debut for Australia in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Wednesday, August 17, at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram.

The 30-year-old was named in Australia’s Playing XI as a leg-spinning all-rounder, becoming the first India-born male cricketer in more than six decades to represent the Australian men’s team.

Following the landmark achievement, former Australia women’s captain Lisa Sthalekar came up with a witty reaction on social media. Sharing a graphic featuring herself and Chaudhary.

“The last two Indian born players to play for Australia in the last 60 years. Cap number 117,” she wrote. 

Check the photo posted by Lisa Sthalekar on social media, below:

For the unversed, she earlier had jokingly responded to an X user who had claimed that Chaudhary is the first-ever Indian born to play for Australia, reminding the user of her achievements.

While several players of Indian origin, including Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha, have represented Australia, Chaudhary became the first India-born male cricketer to play for the national side since Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sellers, who featured in a Test against India in Kolkata in 1964.

Sthalekar herself was born in Pune before being adopted by Australian parents and later became one of the most successful cricketers in Australia’s history. She represented Australia in 187 international matches, captained the side, and won four World Cups during her illustrious career.

Born in Delhi, Chaudhary began his domestic career in India and represented Punjab between 2017 and 2019. He made his senior T20 debut in January 2017 and went on to play 12 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy along with two List A games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

His career took a dramatic turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Chaudhary travelled to Australia to visit his uncle in Queensland. However, due to border restrictions and lockdown measures, he was unable to return to India.

What initially appeared to be an unexpected setback ultimately transformed into a life-changing opportunity. Chaudhary continued his cricketing journey in Australia, worked his way through the domestic circuit, and eventually earned a maiden national call-up.

Against Bangladesh, he had a decent outing with the ball, picking up a wicket while giving away just 14 runs in two overs.