On day two of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, a mistake by the auctioneer left Delhi Capitals furious. The controversy began when RCB bought young opener Swastik Chikara for his base price of INR 30 lakh. This was despite Delhi Capitals trying to bid.
Delhi Capitals’ Bid Goes Unnoticed
RCB initiated the bidding for the 19-year-old Chikara at the base price of INR 30 lakh. As the gavel fell, it appeared no other franchise had shown interest. However, moments later, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani said his team had bid for the player. But, it went unnoticed by auctioneer Mallika Sagar.
Sagar later admitted her error. But, under the auction’s strict rules, the sale is final once the gavel falls. Despite Delhi Capitals’ protests, the youngster was awarded to RCB for INR 30 lakh.
Delhi Capitals React to the Controversy
Delhi Capitals co-owner Kiran Grandhi expressed frustration over the incident, stating,
“It cost us a chance to add a young player to our squad. This was a significant oversight.”
The team argued that losing out on Chikara due to such an error could impact their long-term planning for the season.
Swastik Chikara’s Rising Star Profile
Swastik Chikara is a hot topic in Indian domestic cricket. The 19-year-old excelled in the UP T20 League 2024. He scored 499 runs and won the MVP and Super Striker awards.
While playing for the Meerut Mavericks, Chikara dazzled with his explosive batting, often drawing comparisons to his idol, Virender Sehwag.
“I have always admired Virender Sehwag’s batting style,” Chikara said in a post-auction statement.
Auctioneer Admits Mistake
Auctioneer Mallika Sagar took responsibility for the oversight. But, she stood by the auction rules. She emphasized that the decision was final once the gavel fell. The IPL’s auction rules are under scrutiny after this incident. Fans and analysts debate
RCB Benefits from the Controversy
RCB, meanwhile, seems to have landed a major bargain in acquiring Chikara. The team is known for its aggressive strategy to nurture young talent. They will likely use the opener’s explosive style to boost their batting lineup for IPL 2025.
Key Statistics – Swastik Chikara’s UP T20 League 2024 Performance
- Runs Scored: 499
- Awards Won: MVP, Super Striker of the Season
- Notable Team: Meerut Mavericks
