Chikara, who earned his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) contract following his sensational performances in earlier UP T20 editions, was a part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad that famously lifted the IPL title in 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The young batter played a pivotal role in guiding the franchise to the finals in all three previous editions and lifting the title in 2024. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
During that title-winning 2024 season, Chikara was in a league of his own, finishing as the tournament's leading run-getter with a staggering 499 runs at an average of 49.90 and a strike rate of 185.50, featuring three fifties and a century. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
He credited his time in the RCB setup, and specifically his close observations of Kohli, for his current mindset and elite preparation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I have learnt from Virat Kohli to focus on your practice and give your 100 percent. I have been trying to follow the exact same approach,\" Chikara shared after his match-winning performance at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana International Cricket Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His 45-ball 82, studded with nine boundaries and four massive sixes, laid the foundation for the Mavericks to post a season-high total of 206\/6. During the innings, he also etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second player in tournament history to hit 100 sixes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his match-winning innings and the team's tactical approach, Chikara noted, \"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.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His 45-ball 82, studded with nine boundaries and four massive sixes, laid the foundation for the Mavericks to post a season-high total of 206\/6. During the innings, he also etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second player in tournament history to hit 100 sixes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Hopefully, with the blessings of my elders, I will have a good season this time around,\" he added. \"My ultimate goal for the season is to have the best strike rate, make the most runs, and hit the most sixes.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n