Lucknow Super Giants produced a “remember the name” twist at the Garden of Eden on Thursday, turning a seemingly comfortable Kolkata Knight Riders position into an unforgettable last-ball finish. For stretches, KKR looked in total control, but Mukul Choudhary flipped the script with composure and big hitting at the exact moments that mattered. The innings and the finish will linger for a long time in the memories of LSG fans.
LSG’s chase: the game turns on Mukul
LSG chased 182 and got there in a nail-biting encounter, sealing the win by three wickets. The turnaround was powered by Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary, who anchored the chase with confidence and clean finishing.
- Lucknow Super Giants chased a target of 182 to win by three wickets.
- Mukul Choudhary struck 54 off 27 deliveries, hitting two fours and seven sixes.
- Ayush Badoni contributed 54 off 34 balls as the chase gathered momentum.
- Mukul Choudhary finished the job with an unbeaten 54 from 27 balls, guiding LSG across the line on the last ball of the game.
KKR in control—until the pressure changed hands
KKR appeared to have the contest under control for a large part of the match, with the game seemingly heading their way. Yet once Mukul Choudhary took charge, the momentum shifted quickly—LSG’s batting stayed calm under pressure, and the required runs were managed with intent. The result was a last-ball thriller that swung away from KKR.
Who is Mukul Choudhary?
Mukul Choudhary, 21, is a wicketkeeper-batter in domestic cricket who represents Rajasthan. His rise into the spotlight has been marked by strong performances in youth cricket, rapid development in domestic formats, and a clear ability to score quickly, particularly in the closing stages of T20 innings.
- Mukul Choudhary is a wicketkeeper-batter who plays for Rajasthan in domestic cricket.
- At Under-23 level, he performed well and then scored 173 runs in five innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 at a strike rate of 198.85.
- He was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 2.60 crore at the IPL 2026 auction after a bidding contest.
- He made his first-class debut in January 2023 in the Ranji Trophy.
- His List A debut arrived in December 2025.
- He is known for hitting effectively during the death overs, and his T20 strike rate is above 160.
From Jhunjhunu to the pro circuit
His journey is closely tied to his family’s support and the determination to make cricket a realistic dream. From Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, his father, Dalip Kumar Choudhary, followed the sport closely and wanted Mukul to pursue it even before he was born. While financial constraints and limited sports facilities posed challenges in the area, Dalip remained committed to giving his son a path into the game.
- Dalip Kumar Choudhary, from Jhunjhunu, wanted his son to play cricket even before Mukul was born.
- The family faced financial difficulties and had limited sports facilities locally.
- Dalip worked first as a teacher, later moving into real estate and the hotel business to support Mukul’s training.
- Mukul was enrolled at the SBS Cricket Academy in Sikar to receive structured coaching and practice.
How he became a wicketkeeper
When Mukul joined the academy, he did not begin his training as a wicketkeeper. He started out as a medium-fast bowler with the intention of building a career in that role. His switch to wicketkeeping came when the team required someone to fill the role—he stepped in, and after that opportunity he continued as a wicketkeeper as his progression accelerated.
- At the start of academy training, Mukul was a medium-fast bowler.
- He later took on wicketkeeping when the team needed a wicketkeeper.
- He looks up to MS Dhoni and adapted to the role after stepping in during that period.
- After moving up through the system, he was noticed by junior selectors and later trained at the Aravali Cricket Academy in Jaipur.
- His mother and younger sister also moved with him so he could stay focused on cricket.
- His mother managed his daily routine, helping him concentrate on his game.
Debut and IPL entry
Mukul’s early T20 exposure came in 2023, and his performances soon caught the attention of IPL scouts. That momentum culminated in his selection at the IPL 2026 auction, when Lucknow Super Giants secured him for Rs 2.6 crore after a bidding contest.
- Mukul made his T20 debut in 2023.
- His performances drew attention from IPL scouts.
- At the IPL 2026 auction, Lucknow Super Giants bought him for Rs 2.6 crore following a bidding contest.
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