The IPL has long been a stage where fresh talent gets matched against established international names, often turning a single performance into instant recognition. In the IPL 2026 season, two young performers—Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya—have continued to trouble top-order bowling attacks. Yet the tournament’s 19th edition has introduced another name worth tracking: Lucknow Super Giants’ Mukul Choudhary, a powerful right-handed batter who has quickly grabbed attention.
Key takeaways
- Mukul Choudhary, a 21-year-old from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, has been making headlines for LSG in IPL 2026.
- He helped Lucknow chase down Kolkata Knight Riders with an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, after starting at 2 runs from 8 deliveries.
- His late surge included 52 runs from his next 19 balls, turning the match in the death overs.
- Choudhary’s rise is shaped by family sacrifice, including his father changing plans so he could receive better cricket training.
- He has also featured in domestic cricket for Rajasthan, with 4 first-class appearances and 5 List-A matches.
- He made his Ranji Trophy debut in January 2023 versus Chhattisgarh.
LSG’s chase sparked by Mukul Choudhary’s late assault
Choudhary’s breakthrough in IPL 2026 has come through a match-defining innings against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday. Batting for Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants, the right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 54, steering his side toward an improbable win.
The script appeared to be going against him early. At one point, he was struggling to find momentum, sitting on 2 runs off 8 balls. From there, he shifted gears during the final phase of the innings, smashing his next 19 deliveries for 52 runs to complete a dramatic finish for LSG.
A journey built around sacrifice and early training
Beyond the IPL flash, Choudhary’s story is rooted in hardship and perseverance. His progress is closely tied to the sacrifices his parents made to ensure he could pursue cricket despite limited resources.
In a conversation on JioStar’s show “Dream On,” Choudhary explained that his father’s decision-making was influenced by a desire to secure proper training for his son. He said their family background was financially modest, and the dream of “someone from the family” making it in cricket carried special weight in an era where money and fame attract attention. He also described how, before marriage, his father had already decided that if he had a son, he would push him towards cricket no matter what.
According to Choudhary, during his early years the family situation did not allow joining an academy or beginning formal training right away. Instead, his father prepared for the Rajasthan Administrative Service while also teaching at a college, and the family’s circumstances slowly improved. Choudhary said that once he turned 12, his father arranged for him to begin at the SBS Cricket Academy in Sikar.
“Mother’s sacrifice” and adapting to life in a new city
Choudhary also highlighted that the support system did not come from his father alone. He described how his mother and sister played a key role in helping him focus on cricket while adjusting to life in Jaipur.
He said family backing is crucial, adding that it is difficult to sustain such commitment alone for a long period without support. He explained that his father was mindful that, at a young age, distractions can easily derail focus. Choudhary noted that his mother taught at the same school where his sister studied, and the school’s proximity to the ground allowed him to practice regularly. He said he would spend time on the field throughout the day and even sleep there during daytime after returning home to eat.
When he moved to Jaipur five years ago, he tried staying in a hostel for several months, but he found it wasn’t workable because time and energy were split between playing and routine chores. Choudhary said his mother and sister therefore remained with him, ensuring he had the stability he needed.
Domestic grind: Ranji debut and learning from a tough start
While the spotlight has focused on Choudhary’s IPL performances, his domestic record also shows how much preparation has gone into reaching this stage. He has played 4 first-class matches and 5 List-A games for Rajasthan.
Choudhary made his Ranji Trophy debut in January 2023 against Chhattisgarh. In that match, he scored 2 runs in the first innings and did not get a chance to bat in the second.
Recalling his Ranji start, Choudhary shared that an umpiring call went against him, and he felt it contributed to a difficult beginning in red-ball cricket. He said he had been performing well beforehand, including at the Under-19 level, which earned him a step up to the Under-23s. He added that when he debuted in Ranji, he only had one innings, but it did end with him being not out—something he considered a close call rather than a full opportunity.
Choudhary also explained that once the season ended, he did not dwell too long on the limited chances. He pointed out that it is hard to do much with just one innings, especially when the debut is often looked at by others. At the same time, he said he felt he had contributed well throughout the season and that no one made a major issue out of it.
