RCB’s Rising Star Swastik Chikara Looks Up to Virat Kohli Ahead of Crucial CSK Match
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is gearing up to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 52 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In a display of admiration and respect, RCB’s young batter Swastik Chikara took to social media to express his admiration for team veteran Virat Kohli. Chikara posted a photo on Instagram with a caption that read, "No GPS needed. Just follow the King," highlighting his eagerness to learn from the cricket legend.
The 20-year-old Chikara has been making waves with his impressive performance in the 2024 Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer with 499 runs in 12 innings. His impressive strike rate of 185.50 and five fifties, including one century, caught the attention of RCB, who acquired him for INR 30 lakh during the 2025 mega auction. Although he is yet to make his debut, Chikara’s dedication to the sport and his idol, Virat Kohli, is evident.
Kohli, on the other hand, continues to dominate the IPL 2025 campaign, with an impressive 443 runs in 10 innings, boasting an average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 138.87. The 36-year-old veteran batter ranks fifth on the Orange Cap list, with six fifties and a highest score of an unbeaten 73. His consistent performance has been a key factor in RCB’s remarkable campaign, with the team currently sitting third on the points table with 14 points from 10 matches.
As RCB prepares to face CSK, Chikara’s admiration for Kohli serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and guidance in the sport. With Kohli’s experience and Chikara’s enthusiasm, RCB is poised to make a strong statement in the tournament. Will Chikara make his debut against CSK, and can RCB continue their winning streak? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the young batter’s admiration for Virat Kohli is a testament to the enduring legacy of the cricket legend.
