Nikhil Chaudhary, the 27-year-old Indian-origin player representing Hobart Hurricanes in the current Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season, has become a notable figure for his on-field performances and off-field camaraderie. In a recent BBL match against Melbourne Stars, Chaudhary caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide as he engaged in a friendly conversation in Hindi with Australia’s legendary pace bowler, Brett Lee.
Hailing from Punjab, Chaudhary stands out as one of the few Indian-born players in the BBL. Throughout the season, he has showcased his skills in four games, scoring an impressive 72 runs with a strike rate of 153.19 and contributing with two wickets, including the dismissal of Quinton de Kock in the 26th match against Melbourne Renegades.
Brett Lee, a beloved figure in India not only for his cricketing exploits but also for his association with the Indian Premier League (IPL), took a moment during the commentary box interaction to surprise Chaudhary with his fluent Hindi. Lee, who represented Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, is known for his Indo-Australian connection, having starred in the film “UnIndian” and collaborated with Asha Bhosle on the song “You’re the one for me.”
During the live broadcast, Lee greeted Chaudhary with a friendly, “Nikhil, Brett Lee here. Aap kaise ho? Aap se milke khushi hui” (How are you? Nice to meet you). Impressed by Lee’s smooth accent, Chaudhary responded, “Your Hindi is too good, mate. Main thik hu, thank you” (I’m fine, thank you).
The delightful exchange between the two cricketers quickly went viral on social media, with fans from around the globe applauding Lee’s proficiency in speaking Hindi and celebrating the multicultural spirit of cricket.
