Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a dramatic finish in IPL 2026, with debutant Mukul Choudhary turning the chase with a match-winning, last-ball effort against Kolkata Knight Riders. The young batter’s calm under pressure and fearless intent helped LSG swing a game that looked destined to slip away.
Quick facts
- Mukul Choudhary made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants.
- He played a decisive role in a last-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders.
- LSG were chasing 182 and were in trouble at one stage.
- Choudhary finished unbeaten on 54 off 27 balls.
- He was named Player of the Match.
- Earlier, he described MS Dhoni as his biggest inspiration.
Set a demanding target of 182, Lucknow found themselves under heavy pressure as the run chase threatened to stall. Yet, once Choudhary took hold of the situation, the momentum shifted quickly—his composure steadied the innings while his aggression kept the required rate within reach.
Choudhary authored the turnaround with an unbeaten 54 from just 27 deliveries. In the closing phase, his approach looked fearless rather than cautious, and it ultimately delivered the win in the most dramatic way possible—right to the final moment of the contest.
Dhoni inspiration behind the style
Before this breakthrough, Choudhary had spoken about how much MS Dhoni influences the way he wants to play. In an earlier conversation on JioHotstar, he said the former India captain remains his biggest inspiration, pointing to both Dhoni’s role as a wicketkeeper-batter and the signature “helicopter shot” that has become part of his legacy.
Choudhary’s words made the connection clear: he said he, too, was a wicketkeeper, and that Dhoni’s helicopter stroke—especially the way it showed up in the 2011 World Cup—stays with him. He also described Dhoni as his role model and added that he wants to develop into a finisher who can close out games.
He said, “Main hamesha MS Dhoni sir ko hi dekhta hoon, kyunki main khud bhi wicketkeeper tha. Unka helicopter shot mujhe bahut pasand hai, especially 2011 World Cup mein jo unhone khela. Wahi sab yaad rehta hai. Woh mere role model rahe hain. Main bhi unki tarah finisher banna chahta hoon, game khatam karna chahta hoon.” (Translation: “I have always looked up to MS Dhoni sir because I was also a wicketkeeper. I love his helicopter shot, especially from the 2011 World Cup. Those moments stay with me. He has been my role model. I want to become a finisher like him and close games.”)
From early setbacks to Player of the Match
After being named Player of the Match, Choudhary reflected on the path that brought him to this stage. He explained that his journey did not begin with a big academy contract or a quick break, but with a long-held dream that arrived before he was even born.
He said his father had imagined that one day his son would play cricket. However, Choudhary noted that financial constraints meant he couldn’t start training early, delaying his entry into the sport.
He added that he began playing around the age of 12 or 13, when the coaching landscape was far less crowded than it is now. One academy—SBC Cricket Academy—had just opened, and he trained there for about five to six years.
Choudhary also summed up his temperament in plain cricket terms. He said that since childhood he has consistently played attacking cricket and has always been the kind of batter who looks to hit rather than merely survive.
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