Mukul Choudhary's Fearless Knock Secures Dramatic LSG Victory Over KKR
In a display of nerves of steel and explosive batting, Mukul Choudhary delivered a match-winning performance for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The 21-year-old from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, smashed a blistering 27-ball 57, launching seven sixes to clinch a remarkable last-over triumph.
The emotions were palpable on the young cricketer's face as he held his nerve in the tense final over against Vaibhav Arora. Battling anxiety and negotiating yorkers, he waited patiently for the right delivery before sending it soaring over the ropes. His triumphant celebration, with both arms raised high, was met with teammates sprinting from the dugout to mob him in jubilation.
The Preparation Behind the IPL Stardom
This spectacular IPL performance is rooted in an extraordinary story of dedication and preparation. Long before his headline-grabbing innings, Choudhary had already demonstrated his six-hitting prowess by smashing an incredible 36 sixes in a single domestic T20 innings.
Training primarily on black soil pitches in his hometown of Sikar, Jhunjhunu, adapting to red-soil wickets presented a significant challenge. Determined to overcome this hurdle, he sought guidance from his Under-23 batting coach Chandrapal Singh and embarked on a grueling travel regimen.
"Mukul is extremely hardworking. I didn't know if he would agree to it, but he accepted the challenge despite all the travel," Chandrapal revealed in an interview. "He had to cover long distances - it's not easy to travel 500 km by bus, play a match, stay overnight, and then return. He did this almost three times a week."
Packing his kit at night, Choudhary would board buses to Udaipur and Nathdwara in Rajasthan, both nearly 500 kilometers from Jhunjhunu, to practice on red-soil pitches similar to those in IPL venues like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
Domestic Success and IPL Breakthrough
Choudhary's impressive domestic cricket record paved the way for his IPL opportunity. After making his mark at the Under-23 level, he scored 173 runs in five innings during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 at a staggering strike rate of 198.85. His consistent performances earned him an IPL contract, with Lucknow Super Giants acquiring him for Rs 2.60 crore at the IPL 2026 auction.
"More than just a classy batter, he is a brilliant team man. His first priority is always the team," emphasized Chandrapal. "In every situation, he would ask, 'Sir, how can I help the team win?' That attitude has made him special and brought him this far."
The Making of a Power Hitter
Choudhary's ability to clear boundaries with ease - combining bat swing, footwork, reach, and situational awareness - results from years of dedicated practice. "I have practised that shot since childhood," he explained during the post-match press conference. "My body is naturally a bit powerful, and that has helped me. I also practise hitting 100-150 sixes every day, so the bat speed develops if you keep repeating it."
His coach draws comparisons to renowned power hitters: "We have seen players like Russell and Pollard, who are physically very strong hitters. He is similar in that sense. He has that kind of muscular build and a very different mindset. If he has to hit 100 sixes in a day, he can do it comfortably."
Dhoni Inspiration and Future Aspirations
Among his seven sixes against KKR, one particularly stood out - a Dhoni-esque helicopter shot that electrified the Eden Gardens crowd and left the LSG dugout, including captain Rishabh Pant, in awe.
Choudhary openly acknowledges his admiration for MS Dhoni: "I always look up to MS Dhoni because I am also a finisher. His helicopter shot, which is very iconic, is my favourite. The way he led India in the 2011 World Cup, everybody remembers it. I want to be like him and finish off matches and help my team win."
With Lucknow Super Giants set to face Chennai Super Kings on May 10, Choudhary will not only be riding the momentum of his incredible innings but also anticipating a potential meeting with his idol. Before that crucial encounter, LSG's packed schedule includes matches against:
- Gujarat Titans on Sunday
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 15
- Punjab Kings on April 19
- Rajasthan Royals on April 22
- Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26
- Mumbai Indians on May 4
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 7
Captain Rishabh Pant, who appeared visibly tense until the final delivery, expressed immense relief after the victory, sharing a warm embrace with the match-winner. As Choudhary continues his IPL journey, his combination of raw power, meticulous preparation, and team-first mentality positions him as a rising star in Indian cricket.
