Lucknow: Meerut Mavericks opener Swastik Chikara has emerged as one of the standout performers in the ongoing UP T20 League, leading the run-scoring charts with 237 runs at a strike rate of over 182.31.His explosive form has also strengthened his hopes of making an Indian Premier League comeback after going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction following his release by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Meerut Mavericks became the first side to qualify for the playoffs in the fourth edition of the UP T20 League, and with 12 points, the Mavericks sit comfortably at the top of the points table.Chikara currently holds the Orange Cap as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, while Zeeshan Ansari owns the Purple Cap as the top wicket-taker.Expressing happiness over being able to contribute to his team’s success, Chikara said: “I am happy that my team is winning, and I am contributing runs. I’m also pleased that I’m in good form.”“I was disappointed when I wasn’t picked in the IPL last year. This year, I came in with the mindset of doing something different, catching the attention of IPL scouts, and earning my place again. I want to stand out from everyone else and make my comeback to the IPL. I will try to score as many runs as possible and stay at number one,” he told TOI.The Meerut batter credited his improved power-hitting to hard work before the season.“Before the season, I trained extensively with my father and coach Narendra Guliya,” he said.“It is my dream to wear the India jersey in all three formats, but if I had to choose, I would especially love to play T20Is for India. T20 is my favorite format,” he said.“Considering the way I play my shots, I want to improve even more by training under Yuvraj Singh. I have never met him, but it is my wish to train under him and improve myself,” he said.On his unique style of celebration, he said, “This time I have made my half-century and century celebrations different. I wanted to celebrate in a unique way, so whenever I hit sixes, I celebrate by mimicking firing a gun.”
