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NEW DELHI: The build up to the IPL 2026 season has begun in full swing as the complete auction list is finally out. A total of 350 players will go under the hammer on 16 December in Abu Dhabi with only 77 spots waiting to be filled.

From that group 240 are Indian players and 110 come from overseas. Amid this large pool one name has started to draw special interest. Nikhil Chaudhary who plays domestic cricket in Australia but appears in the auction roster as an uncapped Indian player.

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Nikhil Chaudhary rise from Delhi to Australia

Chaudhary was born in Delhi and later shifted to Punjab where he made early strides in age group cricket. He featured for India at the under 19 level in 2017 and soon pushed into the senior domestic space. The breakthrough into the IPL did not arrive even after two attempts with Mumbai Indians which eventually pushed him to explore options outside India.

Chaudhary travelled to Australia with his family in 2020 and the sudden global lockdown kept them stuck in the country. What looked like an uncertain phase became the turning point of his life. He began rebuilding his game in Brisbane and impressed enough to earn a contract with Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. He became only the second Indian origin cricketer after Unmukt Chand to feature in the league.

Settling into the Australian system

The all rounder strengthened his position in the Australian domestic structure through consistent performances. He made his first class debut for Tasmania in October this year and capped it with a maiden century in his most recent match. With regular opportunities and a stable home base he now stands as a familiar name across the circuit.

Chaudhary has entered the upcoming auction at a base price of 40 lakh as an uncapped Indian player. This chapter could bring him closer to the league he once missed out on. His past stint with Punjab in Indian domestic cricket adds further depth to his profile.

Performance in the shorter format

In T20 cricket Chaudhary has played 36 matches scoring 538 runs at a strike rate of 130 and has taken 16 wickets as well. His ability to bat in different positions and offer valuable overs makes him a flexible option for any squad even if he does not start in the eleven straightaway.

With the upcoming auction loaded with big stories and tight spots Chaudhary stands out as a player who has earned a second run at Indian cricket through an unusual path. His journey from Delhi to Punjab and then to Australia has shaped a cricketer ready for a fresh opportunity when the bids begin in Abu Dhabi.