NEW DELHI: A viral clip featuring Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer promising that Mukul Choudhary would become “the scariest No.6 or 7 batter in India” has exploded across social media, especially after the youngster delivered a match-winning T20 masterclass in IPL 2026. The footage surfaced after LSG’s dramatic success over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, with Langer’s words from a training session now being viewed as a prelude to Mukul’s heroics.
Prophecy fulfilled in dramatic fashion
In the video, Langer can be seen speaking to Mukul during practice, laying out a bold target for the next phase of his development. “In the next four months, I am going to turn you into the scariest No. 6 or 7 batter in India,” Langer tells him, a statement that has since taken on a new meaning given what Mukul produced in the chase. After the innings, the clip quickly spread online, with fans highlighting how the coach’s confidence appeared to translate into results.
As LSG chased 182, they were staring at a tough situation at 128/7 in 16 overs. From there, Mukul took charge with a brutal, boundary-heavy display that quickly shifted the momentum. The innings was particularly striking because it came in only his third IPL appearance, yet he played with the kind of authority usually reserved for more seasoned batters.
The 21-year-old struck seven sixes and finished unbeaten on 54 off 27 balls. He also scored 52 runs from his last 19 deliveries, turning what looked like a near-certain loss into a sensational three-wicket win that was sealed on the final ball. His fearless hitting transformed the chase into one of the most memorable run chases of the campaign.
After being named Player of the Match, Mukul explained his mindset. “My plan was to play till the end. I believe in myself so much that if I stayed, I could take the team home,” he said. He also addressed the pressure that comes with finishing games, adding, “There is pressure, but I focus on the opportunity, not the pressure.”
A journey shaped by belief and sacrifice
Mukul’s path to the IPL has not followed a typical script. Hailing from Jhunjhunu, he started playing cricket relatively late—around the age of 12 or 13—because of limited resources. Before refining his skills, he trained at an academy in Sikar, then moved to Jaipur, and later sharpened his T20 game in Gurugram to better handle the pace and intensity required in the shortest format.
Speaking about the early motivation behind his cricketing ambition, Mukul shared, “My journey started even before I was born. My father had a dream that his son would play cricket.” He then described his approach to batting in simple terms: “If the ball comes into my area, I’ll hit it. That’s how I’ve always played.”
That aggressive temperament was visible in the closing stages as well. During the final over, he held his nerve and waited for the right ball rather than forcing shots too early. “Even if the bowler delivers four perfect balls, I knew one would come into my zone,” Mukul added, reflecting the patience and conviction that powered LSG’s turnaround.
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