Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Yash Dayal recently shared an amusing anecdote about the team’s young recruit, Swastik Chikara. During a team bonding session in Kolkata, Swastik Chikara playfully took a perfume bottle from Virat Kohli’s bag and used it, all while the star cricketer observed the moment. The lighthearted incident quickly became a source of laughter among the teammates.

In a video clip posted on X (formerly Twitter), the atmosphere in the dressing room was highlighted, with the Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar mentioning how Swastik Chikara has been keeping the team’s spirits high. When recalling the moment, Yash Dayal described how the young batter confidently picked up Virat Kohli’s perfume without hesitation, bringing a sense of humour to the session. Swastik Chikara later explained his actions, saying that he was merely testing the fragrance to ensure it met good standards, adding that Virat Kohli himself inquired about his opinion on it.

Here is the video:

https://x.com/coach_dk19/status/1904746017301684699

to watch this video directly on X

Meanwhile, the Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden has praised Bengaluru’s decision to include Krunal Pandya in their squad for the IPL 2025, calling it a well thought out move. Matthew Hayden expressed confidence in Bengaluru’s team composition, emphasising that there is something exceptional about their lineup this season.

Bengaluru began their IPL 2025 campaign with an impressive win over Kolkata Knight Riders, staging a remarkable comeback to claim victory by seven wickets. Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role in securing the win, finishing with figures of 3 for 29 in his four overs. In the chase, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli laid a strong foundation with half-centuries, while Patidar contributed significantly to ensure a successful start to the tournament.

Swastik Chikara, a promising 19-year-old batter from Ghaziabad, first gained recognition after smashing the fastest fifty in the UP T20 League, scoring a blistering 85 off just 27 balls. Having already made his List A debut, he marked the occasion with a stunning 101-ball 117 against Himachal Pradesh in Chandigarh. His first-class debut followed in the Ranji Trophy against Bengal, where he made a composed 41 off 74 deliveries. He later made his T20 debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, though it did not go as planned.

With his talent and energy, Swastik Chikara is proving to be a valuable addition to Bengaluru’s squad, both for his skills on the field and the camaraderie he brings to the dressing room.

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