Sydney - In a remarkable turn of events, Nikhil Chaudhary, a Delhi-born former Punjab cricketer, etched his name in the annals of Australian cricket by scoring a historic century in the Sheffield Shield. Chaudhary's innings not only secured a personal milestone but also propelled Tasmania to a dominant position against New South Wales (NSW) at Sydney's Cricket Central.

The 29-year-old all-rounder, who once shared the dressing room with Shubman Gill and other Indian cricket stars like Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh during his time with Punjab, became the first Indian to score a century in the Sheffield Shield this century. His impressive knock of 163 runs off 184 balls, laced with nine boundaries and five sixes, underscored his potential as a valuable all-round option.

Chaudhary's journey to this momentous achievement is an inspiring tale of perseverance. After moving to Australia in 2020, he faced numerous challenges, including being stranded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deciding to stay and become a permanent resident, he took on various odd jobs to sustain himself and keep his cricketing aspirations alive, working as a meat cutter, parcel delivery driver, and even an Uber driver.

His dedication eventually paid off when he was spotted playing club cricket in Queensland by Tasmania's assistant coach James Hopes, who recommended him to Hobart for the Big Bash League (BBL). Chaudhary's talent shone through, leading to a state contract with Tasmania. Before this match, he made his first-class debut just last month during Tasmania’s home Sheffield Shield game against Queensland in Brisbane, taking a five-wicket haul.

In the ongoing match against NSW, Tasmania declared their innings at 8-623, gaining a substantial 232-run lead. Besides Chaudhary's magnificent century, Tim Ward also contributed a noteworthy 119, while Caleb Jewell had scored 102 on the previous day.

Chaudhary's century has sparked discussions about his potential for the upcoming Ashes series. His ability to take wickets and score quick runs, demonstrated by a first-class strike rate exceeding 75, strengthens his case as a high-impact all-rounder for Australia.

Nikhil Chaudhary's story exemplifies resilience and determination, proving that with hard work and unwavering spirit, dreams can be realized regardless of the obstacles encountered. His historic Sheffield Shield century is a testament to his journey and a proud moment for Indian cricket.