Lucknow, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Meerut Mavericks opener Swastik Chikara credited his experience of sharing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room with Virat Kohli for shaping his approach to preparation after his match-winning 82 against Gaur Gorakhpur Lions in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
Chikara smashed 82 off 45 balls, including nine fours and four sixes, to help Meerut Mavericks post 206/6 before securing a 36-run victory at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana International Cricket Stadium.
The young batter, who earned his maiden IPL contract after impressive performances in earlier editions of the UP T20 League, said observing Kohli taught him the importance of giving his best during practice.
“I have learnt from Virat Kohli to focus on your practice and give your 100 per cent. I have been trying to follow the exact same approach,” Chikara said after the match.
Chikara was part of the RCB setup during the franchise’s successful IPL campaign and has benefited from exposure to high-level cricket. His performances in the 2024 UP T20 season were particularly impressive, as he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 499 runs at an average of 49.90 and a strike rate of 185.50, including three fifties and a century.
Against Gorakhpur, Chikara provided the platform for Meerut’s highest total of the season. He also became only the second batter in the tournament’s history to reach the landmark of 100 sixes.
“I batted well, got a good stand, and helped my team, so I feel very good. It was a very good track, so we knew we could get a good total. We took on the Powerplay. Personally, I like to stand still and hit sixes,” he said.
Chikara is now targeting another standout campaign, with his ambitions extending beyond team success.
“Hopefully, with the blessings of my elders, I will have a good season this time around. My ultimate goal for the season is to have the best strike rate, make the most runs, and hit the most sixes,” he added.
FOLLOW NOW
