Lucknow, 17 August (H.S.): After producing a match-winning half-century to help Meerut Mavericks defeat Gaur Gorakhpur Lions in the UP T20 League on Sunday night, opener Swastik Chikara said sharing the dressing room with legendary batter Virat Kohli had completely transformed his approach towards the game.

Chikara earned his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) contract following an impressive performance in the inaugural edition of the UP T20 League. He was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who won the IPL title in 2025.

The young batter has been a cornerstone of Meerut Mavericks’ dominance, playing a key role in taking the franchise to the final in each of the last three editions and helping them win the title in 2024. During the title-winning 2024 season, Chikara was in exceptional form, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 499 runs at an average of 49.90 and a strike rate of 185.50. His tally included three half-centuries and a century.

He credited his current mindset and meticulous preparation to his time in the RCB setup, particularly the opportunity to closely observe Kohli.

Following his match-winning performance at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Chikara said, “I have learnt from Virat Kohli to focus on your practice and give 100 per cent. I am also trying to follow exactly the same approach.”

Continuing that hard-working approach in the ongoing UP T20 League season, Chikara was at his explosive best on Sunday night. His 82 off 45 balls, featuring nine fours and four towering sixes, laid the foundation for Meerut Mavericks to post their highest total of the season at 206/6.

During the innings, he also entered the record books by becoming only the second player in the history of the tournament to hit 100 sixes.

Reflecting on his match-winning innings and the team’s tactical approach, Chikara said, “I batted well, put together a good partnership and helped my team, so I am feeling very good. It was a very good track, so we knew we could put up a good total. We made the most of the powerplay. Personally, I like to stand and hit sixes.”

The Meerut Mavericks opener is determined to make Season 4 another landmark campaign. Drawing on his IPL experience and clear mindset, Chikara is aiming to return to the top of the tournament’s leaderboards.

“Hopefully, with the blessings of my elders, I will have a good season this time,” he said. “My ultimate goal this season is to have the best strike rate, score the most runs and hit the most sixes.”

Chikara’s superb form and clear intent at the top of the order have helped Rinku Singh-led Meerut Mavericks register consecutive victories in the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar