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April 13, Jaipur: While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Rajasthan Royals in one of the most anticipated clashes of IPL 2025, many eyes are on the bench — specifically on 19-year-old Swastik Chikara, who is yet to make his IPL debut. As RCB search for spark and stability in their middle order, this aggressive right-handed batter from Uttar Pradesh could be the solution waiting to be tried.
Who is Swastik Chikara?
Born on April 3, 2005, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Swastik Chikara has risen swiftly through India’s domestic ranks. A product of disciplined training and fearless shot-making, Chikara’s credentials have been forged in both red-ball and white-ball formats.
- Age: 19
- Role: Right-handed batter
- Hometown: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Current Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL), Uttar Pradesh (domestic)
Rise to Fame: UP T20 League Star
Swastik’s major breakthrough came in the 2024 Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he represented Meerut Mavericks. In 12 innings, he scored:
- Runs: 499
- Average: 49.90
- Strike Rate: 185.50
- 100s/50s: 1/4
- Highest Score: 114 (vs Gorakhpur Lions)
His aggressive approach at the top of the order and his consistency made him the highest run-scorer of the tournament, attracting interest from IPL scouts.
List A Debut and Immediate Impact
Swastik made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh against Himachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on November 25, 2023, and scored a stunning century. He immediately established himself as a player capable of handling pressure and anchoring innings.
IPL 2025: Picked by RCB
Recognising his domestic brilliance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Chikara for INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. Though yet to debut, his performances in training and intra-squad games have impressed team insiders.
“Swastik is fearless. He has the game and the mindset for the IPL,” said an RCB support staff member ahead of the Rajasthan match.
Why He Hasn’t Played Yet
RCB’s current batting combination, packed with big names like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Phil Salt, has made it difficult to slot in uncapped talent. But with the mid-season approaching and injuries or form dips likely, Chikara’s chance could come soon.
Batting Profile Summary
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP T20 League | 12 | 499 | 49.9 | 185.5 | 1/4 |
| Vijay Hazare | 4 | 202 | 50.5 | 134.3 | 1/1 |
| List A Career | 6 | 256 | 42.7 | 129.6 | 1/2 |
What Experts Say
Aakash Chopra: “Swastik Chikara is tailor-made for modern T20. If given the opportunity, he can be a match-winner from game one.”
Anjum Chopra: “What stands out is his strike rotation — not just boundary hitting. That’s rare for a 19-year-old.”
RCB’s Remaining Matches: A Window of Opportunity?
With RCB still facing 7 league matches and the playoffs race intensifying, the team may opt for freshness in the batting lineup. Swastik Chikara could be introduced:
- As a Powerplay aggressor
- As a middle-order enforcer
- Or even as an Impact Player if needed
Social Buzz & Fan Anticipation
Hashtags like #SwastikChikaraRCB and #UnleashTheYoungBlood have trended on social media, with fans calling for RCB to test their young gun.
“He’s the hidden gem we’ve been ignoring,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter).
In a league where young talents have consistently delivered under pressure — think Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Tilak Varma — Swastik Chikara could be RCB’s next breakthrough star. With the team looking to climb the table and find consistency, bold selection decisions could make the difference.
Whether or not today’s match against Rajasthan Royals features his debut, one thing is clear: Swastik Chikara’s IPL moment is not far away.
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