The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp was filled with laughter and camaraderie as the team celebrated the birthday of their young batter, Swastik Chikara, during the IPL 2025 season. A heartwarming video shared social media captured a playful moment between RCB icon Virat Kohli and the birthday boy, showcasing the team’s tight-knit bond amidst their quest for a maiden IPL title.
Virat Kohli’s funny reaction goes viral
In the viral clip, Kohli, dressed in RCB’s red and black jersey, is seen feeding a piece of cake to Chikara, who turned 20. As Chikara playfully held onto Kohli’s finger while taking a bite, Kohli burst into laughter and quipped, “Bhai ungli chod meri (Brother, let go of my finger)!” The lighthearted exchange left Chikara and teammates in splits. The moment, which took place after an RCB match, quickly won over fans on social media, with many praising Kohli’s ability to keep the team’s spirits high.
Here is the video:
.@imVkohli was the first person to whom Swastik Chikara fed his birthday cake! ☺️#ViratKohli • #IPL2025 • #ViratGang pic.twitter.com/zLreTjcjj9
— ViratGang.in (@ViratGangIN) April 3, 2025
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RCB’s revamped squad for IPL 2025
The celebration highlighted the strong camaraderie within the RCB squad, which has undergone a major revamp for the 2025 season. Under the leadership of new captain Rajat Patidar and head coach Andy Flower, RCB are determined to end their trophy drought this year. The team made strategic additions during the IPL 2025 mega auction, including explosive batters like Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, as well as pacer Josh Hazlewood, to bolster their lineup. Kohli, who remains a key figure in the squad, has been instrumental in mentoring younger players like Chikara while maintaining a fun and positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
Swastik Chikara’s rise in IPL
Chikara, the young batter at the center of the celebration, has been making waves since joining RCB. The 19-year-old from Uttar Pradesh was picked up by the franchise for INR 30 lakh during the IPL 2025 auction, a move that sparked controversy when Delhi Capitals protested, claiming their bid for the player was overlooked by auctioneer Mallika Sagar.
Despite the drama, Chikara has settled into the RCB setup, earning the affection of his teammates. Known for his aggressive batting style, Chikara was the leading run-scorer in the UP T20 League in 2024, a performance that likely caught RCB’s attention. The youngster has often cited Virender Sehwag as his inspiration, aiming to emulate the former Indian opener’s fearless approach at the crease.
