A surprise pick, Nikhil Chaudhary, joins Australia’s T20I team for the first time. Injury clears the path, Travis Head steps aside. Born in Delhi, the all-rounder gets his chance. The series against Bangladesh sets the stage. One door shuts, another opens wide. Selection follows a sudden shift in plans.
He’ll be on a flight to travel to Dhaka on Friday, traded into Australia’s squad after strong showings at home. Playing Victoria domestically, plus turning out for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash, brought notice; This selection sits heavier than most moments so far.
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Right now, games between Australia and Bangladesh keep fans busy, with the last one set for June 14. Three days after that, the shorter format kicks off, opening space for Chaudhary to find his feet in the team before possibly playing his first global match.
Nikhil Chaudhary showed up on Cricket Australia’s list a while back, it turns out. According to national selector Tony Dodemaide, he’s been part of early tour planning for weeks now.
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“Nikhil has been a player of national interest for some time. He was a standby player for this tour, joining the squad at pre-season camps in Brisbane and coming in as a replacement for Travis Head,” Dodemaide said.
“The panel has been impressed by his BBL form, particularly last season, leading to his addition to the squad. He has also been part of the Delhi Capitals setup in this year’s IPL.”
Worthwhile, said Dodemaide, was seeing how the trip to Bangladesh shaped up for the young all-rounder. Selection chances for the first T20I? He’d definitely be in the mix.
“Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and will be in contention to play his first game for Australia when we sit down to pick a team for the opening T20 fixture here next week,” he said.
Australia’s T20I squad against Bangladesh 2026
Josh Inglis (WK), Josh Phillippe (WK), Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Cameron Green, Xavier Bartlett, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Spencer Johnson, Riley Meredith, Adam Zampa, and Nikhil Chaudhary.
Australia tour of Bangladesh 2026: T20I schedule
| matches | date | Venue |
| First T20I | June 17th | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram |
| Second T20I | June 19th | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram |
| Third T20I | June 21st | Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram |
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