Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant lavished praise on Mukul Choudhary after the batter delivered a stunning unbeaten knock to pull LSG across the line in an IPL contest against Kolkata Knight Riders. Pant called it a “fantastic effort,” highlighting how belief and trust can unlock performances when the pressure is highest.
Quick facts
- LSG chased a target of 182 against KKR.
- LSG were 104/5 in 12.5 overs when Mukul Choudhary came in.
- Mukul finished unbeaten on 54 off 27 balls, striking 2 fours and 7 sixes.
- LSG won by three wickets in a last-ball thriller.
- Rishabh Pant praised Ayush Badoni for a 34-ball 54-run knock in the middle overs.
- KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane said the defeat was tough but credited Mukul’s defining innings.
In the chase, LSG found themselves in a precarious position, needing a major turnaround after slipping to 104 for 5 with 7.1 overs remaining. That’s when Mukul walked out and changed the game with quick-fire hitting, remaining not out throughout his stint.
Mukul’s 54 off 27 was powered by two boundaries and seven maximums, and it set up LSG’s successful chase as the match swung into a tense finish. The win ultimately came in dramatic fashion, with LSG securing the result on the final ball of the contest.
Speaking after the match, Pant said he struggled to put the performance into words, while stressing that he had personally ensured trust in Mukul. The captain noted that when players believe in themselves and feel support from the group, they can produce “wonders,” adding that repeated displays like this suggest something is building within the side.
Pant also singled out Ayush Badoni for the foundation he laid during the middle overs. He referenced Badoni’s 34-ball 54-run knock as a key contribution and described the batter as a more experienced presence in the team now, pointing to situations like this as the exact moments where such impact is most valuable.
Rahane’s take after the loss
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane admitted that the defeat was hard to take, yet he expressed pride in the way his team had played. Rahane nonetheless acknowledged Mukul as the difference-maker, calling the unbeaten innings “defining” and crediting the execution that came with the partnership during crucial phases.
Rahane felt that while missed details can happen in the final two overs, Mukul’s intent and control were exceptional. He added that for KKR, the scenario demanded aggressive batting from the outset—especially because opponents had little to lose, with two overs remaining and 30 runs required.
The KKR captain also reflected on what could have been done better after the loss, noting that defending a total north of 180 on that kind of wicket is never straightforward. Rahane said credit must go to the batter for how he played, and explained that the bowling plan included trying to keep Avesh on strike while also dealing with the challenge of fielding an elevated five-man setup, which can make life tougher for the bowlers.
