Swastik Chikara Shines with Unbeaten 195 in Ayodhya Premier League

Swastik Chikara made headlines with a stunning unbeaten 195 in the Ayodhya Premier League, just months after going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. His explosive innings, featuring 21 sixes, led Gomti Thunder to a record total of 307 runs. This performance not only highlights his batting talent but also marks a significant comeback for the cricketer, who has faced challenges in his career. With a strong showing, Chikara aims to re-establish himself in the competitive cricket scene.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 20:32 IST

Chikara's Remarkable Performance

Swastik Chikara made a significant impact in the Ayodhya Premier League held in Uttar Pradesh, scoring an impressive unbeaten 195. This performance comes just months after he went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, showcasing his batting talent. The former player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru demonstrated both aggression and poise, highlighting the unpredictable nature of a cricketer striving for consistency at the elite level.

Opening the batting for Gomti Thunder alongside Priyanshu Pandey, Chikara played a pivotal role in a record-breaking partnership that left the Hindon Titans struggling. Together, they amassed a staggering total of 307 runs without losing a wicket, with Pandey contributing a solid 100 runs off 54 balls. However, it was Chikara who stole the spotlight, effortlessly dismantling the opposition's bowling attack.

His remarkable innings of 195 came off just 69 balls, featuring 11 fours and an astonishing 21 sixes. Notably, 126 of his runs were scored solely through sixes, showcasing his exceptional hitting ability. The final moments of the innings added excitement, as he aimed for a double century. With only five balls left, Pandey allowed him to take the strike, leading to a thrilling finish that included two massive sixes, a boundary, a dot ball, and another six, leaving him just 27 runs shy of the milestone.

The Hindon Titans, tasked with chasing down a daunting target of 308, never posed a serious threat and were ultimately bowled out for 218. Shekhar Sirohi provided some resistance with a quick 68 runs off 33 balls. Gomti Thunder's bowling attack was led by Ritik Srivastava, who took 3 wickets for 51 runs, and Aravindra Verma, who claimed 3 for 26, while Atif Sajid contributed with two wickets to secure a comprehensive victory.

For Chikara, this innings held greater significance. Once viewed as a rising star, he had made a name for himself during the 2024 Uttar Pradesh T20 League with Meerut Mavericks, scoring 499 runs at an impressive strike rate of 186, including 47 sixes. His fearless approach, inspired by Virender Sehwag, earned him a spot in Uttar Pradesh’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, his transition to higher levels was challenging, as he managed only 15 runs in four matches.

Despite limited success in domestic cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed him for IPL 2025, overcoming late interest from Delhi Capitals. Although he did not play in any matches, he was part of the squad that won the franchise's first IPL title. Unfortunately, he was released before the 2026 auction and went unsold, raising concerns about his future in the sport. Chikara's explosive comeback in the Ayodhya Premier League is not just a statistical achievement; it signifies his determination to reclaim his place in competitive cricket.