Mukul Choudhary has quickly become one of Lucknow Super Giants’ most intriguing young discoveries in the IPL, and the batter is now explaining what it really takes to handle the pressure that comes with playing cricket’s biggest franchise tournament. After earning chances through strong domestic performances and then slotting into LSG’s batting mix, Choudhary said the mental demands of the IPL are uniquely intense because of how widely the league is watched and analysed.
Adapting to the IPL spotlight
- Choudhary said the biggest difference for him is the mental weight of performing while more people are watching, describing it as the main source of pressure on the “big stage”.
- He added that preparation can be more structured in the IPL than in domestic cricket because players have access to information about opposition bowlers, including their strengths and likely plans.
- The youngster pointed out that video sessions and data-driven preparation help him get ready for matchups, whereas in domestic competitions those resources are not as consistently available.
- While the workload in terms of preparation increases, Choudhary stressed that the expectations that accompany a newcomer’s role create a different kind of challenge altogether.
- He clarified that the pressure is largely about delivering in front of large crowds, particularly when a player is not yet fully accustomed to the IPL environment.
- Choudhary said the key to coping is staying calm and continuing to follow his routine and processes, which he believes makes the pressure manageable.
Choudhary’s calm temperament under stress has already drawn praise this season, with his fearless approach in crucial moments standing out despite the fact that he still has limited IPL experience. Looking back at his entry into the league, he recalled that his IPL debut versus Delhi Capitals did not start with him expecting to be in the playing XI.
He said his mindset was simpler than the moment required: when he was told he might get a chance and then, eventually, confirmed as part of the starting group, his reaction was immediate and straightforward—essentially that he was going to play and had to treat it like the job in front of him.
Choudhary also credited his preparation during training camps and internal practice matches for keeping him mentally set for opportunities when they arrived. In his view, readiness matters more than predicting timing, and worrying about “when” the chance would come only distracts from the work itself.
Finally, he said that the biggest adjustment wasn’t about technique or matchup planning—it was the overall IPL atmosphere. Packed stadium crowds, the presence of cameras, and the reality of being broadcast live on television were the new elements that demanded quick acclimatisation. Choudhary noted that once he walked out for the actual game, the difference felt limited to the audience and coverage, and while it created some pressure, he felt prepared for it.
