New Delhi: Eden Gardens delivered plenty of drama, but it was the scene after the final ball that truly moved fans. Lucknow Super Giants edged Kolkata Knight Riders in a nail-biting finish, and the emotions continued when youngster Mukul Choudhary—who played the key role in the chase—was met by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka with a heartfelt embrace. The hug, capped with a pat on the cheek and a brief exchange, quickly went viral and perfectly captured how big Mukul’s innings felt for the franchise as they registered their second consecutive victory to climb the IPL standings.
Mukul’s spell and the chase at Eden Gardens
Lucknow were chasing 182 and looked in trouble at 128 for 7 in the 16th over, even with Ayush Badoni’s steady 54 keeping them in contention. As the pressure mounted and the contest threatened to slip away, Mukul took charge with a remarkable burst that swung the game decisively in LSG’s favour.
- LSG were 128/7 in 16 overs while chasing 182.
- Ayush Badoni made 54 as a platform for the chase.
- Mukul struck seven sixes during his match-winning innings.
- He finished unbeaten on 54, off just 27 balls.
- In the final stretch, Mukul piled up 52 runs from his last 19 deliveries.
- With one run needed off the last ball, LSG managed a bye to complete a three-wicket win.
From third match nerves to a fearless finish
Mukul arrived with little room for error, having played only his third IPL match. Yet he responded to the moment with calm aggression, refusing to let the required rate overwhelm him. His late hitting ensured the chase stayed alive deep into the final overs, turning a near-certain defeat into a victory that came down to the last delivery.
Speaking after the game, Mukul described the tension of the situation while explaining his approach. “There is always pressure, but God has given us this opportunity, and I try to do what I can do,” he said. “My plan was to play till the end. I believe in myself so much that if I stayed, I could take the team home.”
KKR’s target and the late LSG turnaround
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181 for 4, building a competitive total through key contributions at different phases of the innings. Rovman Powell ended unbeaten on 39 and Cameron Green remained not out on 32 to provide late momentum. Ajinkya Rahane added 41, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed 45 during a solid middle spell that helped KKR set the chase.
- KKR finished on 181/4.
- Rovman Powell made 39* and Cameron Green contributed 32* to accelerate late.
- Ajinkya Rahane scored 41.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi made 45 in the middle phase.
- Vaibhav Arora took early breakthroughs, but KKR couldn’t stop Mukul’s late assault.
Goenka’s emotional embrace goes viral
While the result boosted Lucknow’s season, it was the post-match moment that captured the headlines on social media. After the teams walked off, Sanjiv Goenka stepped onto the field and embraced Mukul in a deeply emotional gesture. The LSG owner appeared visibly moved, congratulated the youngster, and even cupped his face—an intimate sign of recognition for an innings that had delivered a crucial win. Fans quickly shared the footage, praising the connection between the franchise and its emerging talent, and viewing it as more than just celebration—an encouragement for a player at the beginning of his journey.
