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'Really??': Lisa Sthalekar calls out claim that Nikhil Chaudhary would be Australia's first India-born cricketer in 60 years

'Really??': Lisa Sthalekar calls out claim that Nikhil Chaudhary would be Australia's first India-born cricketer in 60 years originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nikhil Chaudhary has been named in Australia's squad for the upcoming 2026 T20I series against Bangladesh.
A social media post claimed that if he debuts, the Delhi-born all-rounder could become Australia's first India-born international cricketer in 60 years.
Former Australian women's star Lisa Sthalekar, born in Pune, India, called out the fan with a playful correction.
Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sellers also played a Test for Australia in 1964.
Chaudhary could, however, become Australia's first India-born men's international cricketer in over 60 years.

Nikhil Chaudhary won't become the first India-born Australian cricketer in 60 years

Nikhil Chaudhary was included in Australia's squad for the upcoming 2026 T20I series against Bangladesh.

The Delhi-born all-rounder is in line for an international debut after earning a call-up to Australia's white-ball setup on the back of impressive performances for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes.

However, a viral social media claim about the significance of his potential debut soon drew a response from former Australian women's cricket star Lisa Sthalekar.

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Lisa Sthalekar calls out 'first India-born cricketer to play for Australia' claim

Following Chaudhary's call-up, cricket content creator Mufaddal Vohra posted on X:

"NIKHIL CHAUDHARY ADDED TO AUSTRALIAN T20I TEAM FOR BANGLADESH SERIES.

Nikhil could become the first Indian born to represent Australia in more than 60 years."

The post quickly gained traction online before Sthalekar stepped in with a playful reminder. Replying to the post, the former Australia all-rounder wrote:

"Really?? First in 60 years 😜"

Sthalekar's response soon went viral, prompting Vohra to issue a clarification. In a follow-up post, he wrote: "*first Indian born to represent Australia in men's cricket in more than 60 years."

The correction acknowledged an important distinction in Australian cricket history.

Sthalekar was born in Pune before being adopted by Australian parents. She went on to become one of Australia's most successful women's cricketers, representing the national side in 187 international matches and winning four World Cups during a decorated career.

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Nikhil Chaudhary could still make history as first Australian men's cricketer since 1964

Long before Sthalekar, Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sellers had already represented Australia in men's cricket. Sellers played a Test match during Australia's 1964 tour of India and remains the last India-born player to feature for the Australian men's team.

If Chaudhary is selected in the playing XI during the Bangladesh T20I series, he would become Australia's first India-born men's international cricketer since Sellers' appearance more than six decades ago.

The 30-year-old's journey to the verge of an Australia debut has been anything but conventional.

Chaudhary has previously played domestic cricket for Punjab alongside India stars such as Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma. After moving to Australia, he worked his way through grade cricket before earning opportunities with Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes.

So while Chaudhary would not become Australia's first India-born international cricketer, a debut against Bangladesh would still see him achieve a milestone that Australian men's cricket has not witnessed since 1964.

Why Sthalekar's correction matters

It matters because achievements in women's cricket are often forgotten when discussing historical milestones. Sthalekar's playful response was just another reminder.

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