Swastik Chikara: Rising Star from Ghaziabad
Swastik Chikara: Rising Star from Ghaziabad
20-Year-Old Right-handed, Top-order Batter debut for Uttar Pradesh in November 2023, against Himachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and scored a century 117 runs off 101 balls.
Swastik Surender Chikara, born April 3, 2005, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a talented right‑handed batter who also offers off‑break bowling capabilities. In just 20 years, he’s already begun to make significant waves in India’s domestic and franchise cricket landscape.
Early & Under‑19 Career
Chikara emerged as a standout performer in the Uttar Pradesh Under‑19 circuit, becoming the highest run‑scorer and earning recognition as the Most Valuable Player across state inter‑zonal tournaments. His consistent performances at this level laid the groundwork for his rapid rise through age‑group ranks.
Golden Run in UP T20 League 2024
The breakthrough for Chikara came in the 2024 Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he starred for Meerut Mavericks:
> Tallied 499 runs in 12 innings.
> Achieved a remarkable average of 49.90 and a strike‑rate of 185.50.
> Finished as the leading run‑scorer of the tournament.
> Registered a century (114) against Gorakhpur Lions, alongside five fifties, proving his versatility as both anchor and aggressor.
> Awarded Player of the Match in multiple games—including standout contributions versus Gorakhpur and Noida Kings.
This dominant performance was pivotal in Meerut Mavericks securing the league title and firmly established Chikara as a player to watch.
Domestic Debuts & Progression
Chikara made his List A debut for Uttar Pradesh during the Vijay Hazare Trophy on November 25, 2023. Though still accumulating experience in First‑class and T20 formats beyond the UP T20 League stage, the quality of his early outings in both batting and occasional bowling mark him out as a multi‑dimensional asset.
IPL Entry: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Chikara’s explosive T20 form caught the eye of IPL scouts: in the IPL 2025 auction, he was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹30 lakh. This move marks the next step in his journey as he eyes opportunities in India’s premier T20 competition.
Strengths & Playing Style
> Aggressive batting: high scoring tempo with a strike-rate over 180 in tournament play
> Off‑break bowling: adds all-round value and tactical flexibility
> Composure under pressure: instrumental in run‑chases and setting big targets
> Consistency over age‑group and domestic levels, indicating strong promise for future formats