Swastik Chikara, a name that’s rapidly gaining traction in the world of cricket, is one of the newest sensations in Indian domestic cricket. As a dynamic right-handed opener known for his aggressive batting style, Swastik Chikara has captured the attention of fans and selectors alike with his explosive performances in various tournaments. Born and raised in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, this young prodigy has shown immense potential, blending power-hitting with technical finesse.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into Swastik Chikara’s journey, including his early life, career milestones, stats, age, his entry into the IPL and more.
Early Life and Background of Swastik Chikara: From Humble Beginnings to Cricketing Aspirations
Swastik Chikara’s story is one of dedication and family support, rooted in the cricketing heartland of Uttar Pradesh. Born on April 3, 2005 in Ghaziabad, Swastik Chikara age as of August 2025 is 20 years old. He hails from a family with deep ties to the sport—his father, Surender Chikara, a former Delhi Police officer turned cricket coach, played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Surender, who holds a coaching certification from the National Institute of Sports (NIS), established the SS Nalanda Cricket Hostel in Ghaziabad to nurture young talents, including his son.
Growing up in a household where cricket was more than a game—it was a way of life—Swastik received his first cricket bat at the tender age of four from his father. The family originally traces its roots to Khedi Asra village in Haryana’s Jhajjar district, but they settled in Ghaziabad due to Surender’s job. Swastik has three sisters, and his mother, Sudha Chikara, has been a constant source of support. He attended Aster Public School in Greater Noida, balancing academics with rigorous training sessions.
From a young age, Swastik displayed extraordinary talent. His father innovated training methods, such as creating a turf wicket on their 2.60-acre field with a 2-foot tilt to simulate inswing and outswing deliveries. This unconventional approach honed Swastik’s skills, preparing him for the challenges of professional cricket. By age 16, he made headlines by scoring 585 runs off just 167 balls in a 40-over match during the 19th Shaheed Ramprasad Bismil Smriti Open Cricket Tournament in December 2019, smashing 52 sixes and 55 fours while representing Mahi Cricket Club.
Domestic Career of Swastik Chikara: Building a Solid Foundation
Swastik Chikara’s domestic career is marked by consistent performances across age-group and senior levels. He has represented Uttar Pradesh in various formats, starting from Under-14, Under-16, Under-19, and Under-23 teams. In 2021, he even featured for India B in youth tournaments. His breakthrough came in the 2023 Uttar Pradesh Under-23 State A Trophy, where he scored 439 runs in seven matches, helping his team clinch the title.
One of the most talked-about moments in Swastik Chikara’s career was his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023-24 against Himachal Pradesh. Chasing 277, he smashed a century—108 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and 7 sixes—guiding Uttar Pradesh to victory in just 37 overs. 1 This aggressive innings not only announced his arrival but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Swastik truly shone in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UPT20). In the 2023 edition, he amassed 494 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.57 and a strike rate of 173.33. He elevated his game in 2024, becoming the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 499 runs in 12 innings for Meerut Mavericks.
His average stood at 49.90, with a blistering strike rate of 185.50, including one century (114 off 68 balls against Gorakhpur Lions) and five fifties. This performance earned him the Orange Cap, MVP award, and Super Striker of the Season, leading his team to the championship.
In longer formats, Swastik has shown adaptability. He made his First-Class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Bengal in October 2024, and in recent matches like against Haryana (21 off 19 balls), he continues to build his red-ball credentials. Overall, Swastik Chikara reflect a player with versatility: a right-handed batsman who favors the cut shot and occasionally bowls right-arm off-break.
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a table summarizing his key domestic statistics as of mid-2025:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Avg. | SR. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 2 | 4 | 42 | 10.50 | 55.26 |
| List A | 5 | 5 | 220 | 44.00 | 105.26 |
| T20 | 15 | 15 | 650 | 43.33 | 180.00 |
| UPT20 (Career) | 21 | 21 | 993 | 52.26 | 179.42 |
Note: Stats compiled from domestic performances up to August 2025; subject to updates.
These Swastik Chikara stats demonstrate his prowess as a top-order batsman, particularly in shorter formats where his strike rate stands out.
IPL Journey of Swastik Chikara: From Auction Drama to RCB Stardom
Swastik Chikara’s entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of dramatic. In the IPL 2024 auction, he was picked by Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 20 lakh as an uncapped player. However, he didn’t get a chance to play, serving as a reserve. The real buzz came during the IPL 2025 mega auction, where a bidding confusion between DC and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made headlines. Ultimately, RCB secured him for INR 30 lakh, viewing him as a promising top-order batter to complement stars like Virat Kohli.
In IPL 2025, Swastik Chikara IPL debut was highly anticipated, but he featured in limited matches due to stiff competition in the RCB lineup. Fans and critics alike noted his close bond with Kohli, often joking about his admiration for the legend. While specific match stats from IPL 2025 are modest—he played a handful of games, scoring around 50 runs across appearances—his potential shone through in practice sessions and domestic form leading up to the tournament. Sharing the dressing room with icons like Kohli and Phil Salt has been invaluable for his growth.
Here’s a quick overview of Swastik Chikara IPL stats:
| Season | Team | Matches | Runs | Highest | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | DC | 0 | – | – | – |
| 2025 | RCB | 3 | 45 | 25 | 128.57 |
Note: Limited appearances in 2025; stats approximate based on available reports.
Swastik’s IPL journey is just beginning, and with his aggressive style, he could become a mainstay in future seasons.
Personal Life, Influences and Future Prospects
Beyond the field, Swastik Chikara is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys gymming and traveling. Standing at 5’8″ (173 cm) and weighing 65 kg, he maintains a athletic build with body measurements of 40-32-12 inches. A non-vegetarian, his favorite dessert is ras malai, and he idolizes batsmen like Virender Sehwag and bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. Interestingly, his favorite IPL team growing up was Mumbai Indians, but now he’s proudly “RCB-coded.”
Swastik is active on social media, with over 1 million Instagram followers (@swastikchikara_3), where he shares glimpses of his life, including his Honda City car and ear piercings. Unmarried and focused on cricket, he wears jersey number 99 in domestic and IPL games.
Looking ahead, Swastik Chikara’s future is bright. With 22 double-centuries and 7 triple-centuries in age-group cricket, he’s no flash in the pan. Experts predict he’ll soon break into India’s senior team, especially in T20Is. His coaches, including father Surender and Narinder Gulia, emphasize consistency.
In conclusion, Swastik Chikara represents the new wave of Indian cricketers—bold, talented and ready to conquer. From his impressive stats to his evolving IPL story, this 20-year-old is poised for greatness. Keep an eye on this cricketer; he’s just getting started.
