Reunion with RCB or unsold? Predicting Swastik Chikara’s fate in IPL 2026 mini-auction

Swastik Chikara makes late entry into IPL 2026 auction [Source: @swastikchikara_3/IG]

After being initially snubbed off the final player list for the IPL 2026 min-auction, Swastik Chikara has made a dramatic late entry. He is one of the 9 new players added to the auction list recently.

Chikara is a young domestic batter who warmed the RCB dressing room during their IPL 2025 title-winning campaign. However, he was released ahead of the 2026 season to clear space.

But now, he is back on the block with everything to prove. So what will happen on auction day? Will RCB press the buzzer for a reunion, will another franchise snap him up, or will he go unsold and wait for a second chance? 

Let’s unpack every possibility.

---

ALSO READ

Swastik Chikara among 9 added to IPL 2026 auction list; BCCI fixes Nikhil Chaudhary howler

---

Will RCB reunite with Swastik Chikara?

First, the reunion story. It’s the neatest narrative and the easiest sell to fans. A homegrown talent returns to the side that knows him best. RCB can fairly weigh familiarity heavily, as they know his temperament, his training habits, and how he fits into their culture. 

If they want a low-risk domestic batting option, buying Chikara back at the ₹30 lakh base price makes sense. Teams often bring released players back cheaper as part of a broader roster shuffle. 

The case for RCB also relies on squad strategy. If they feel the need to back a young finisher with promising talent, Chikara becomes attractive. Also, RCB have financial freedom with an available balance of ₹16.4 crores.

With their squad almost set and balanced after the IPL title win in 2025, RCB will likely aim for just backups. So, Chikara could make a cut.

Swastik Chikara is unlikely to be a hot pick

(Table: Swastik Chikara's List A and T20s stats)

Next, the interest from other franchises. The mini-auction is not just about past association, but it’s about fit. Several teams are always on the hunt for young Indian hitters who won’t take an overseas slot. 

However, for Swastik Chikara, his domestic form is a big let-down. Sure, he has supreme power with the ability to hit long boundaries, a crucial skill required to ace the T20 format. But Chikara has played only 4 T20s, scoring 15 runs. 

In List-A, he has scored 200 runs in 6 games. In total, Swastik has played only 10 matches in domestic cricket. That is not enough in a pool where seasoned players are fighting tooth and nail to fetch a bare minimum contract. 

So, apart from RCB, no team is likely to bid for Swastik Chikara at the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Will Swastik Chikara go unsold?

Then there’s the cold, practical reality that Swastik Chikara could go unsold. Mini-auctions are brutal due to limited slots, heavy competition, and many uncapped Indian bats with hotter recent stats. 

Chikara’s lack of IPL game time and limited exposure under live auction pressure work against him. Franchises might prefer players with proven IPL records or those who’ve just smashed the major domestic tournaments.

But “unsold” is not the end. The IPL ecosystem moves fast as replacement signings, injury recruits, and mid-season roster shuffles create fresh doors. 

A player who goes unsold in the hall can still be picked up later if he keeps scoring in domestic cricket or shines in nets and trials.

Conclusion

The likeliest outcome for Swastik Chikara at the IPL 2026 mini-auction table is either a low-price reunion with RCB or going unsold. 

RCB has the convenience factor and could very well press the button if they see strategic value. Otherwise, Chikara might be passed altogether.

Still, Chikara’s road won’t be closed. For a young Indian hitter, patience, a few strong domestic knocks, and the right audition are often all it takes to turn “unsold” into “signed” within a season.

---

ALSO READ

"My Job Was..,": RCB's Swastik Chikara Shuts 'Water Boy' Trolling After IPL Benching

---