MUKUL CHOUDHARY turned heads at Eden Gardens on Thursday with a sensational, last-ball finish for Lucknow Super Giants, handing Kolkata Knight Riders a dramatic loss while chasing a target of 182. The chase looked in trouble when LSG slipped to 128 for seven in the 16th over, but the 21-year-old stepped up with a fearless burst of hitting that completely changed the complexion of the game.
From trouble at 16.0 overs to a last-ball thriller
After Ayush Badoni’s dismissal, Mukul said he felt the responsibility instantly, focusing on keeping the contest alive rather than fixating on the final result. On a pitch that KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane later described as “not easy to play big shots,” Mukul still found a way to accelerate when it mattered most.
- LSG’s position: 128 for seven in the 16th over during the chase of 182
- Mukul’s impact: a match-changing late surge
- Final outcome: a last-ball win for Lucknow against KKR at Eden Gardens
Seven sixes in a pressure-packed knock
Mukul struck seven maximums in his whirlwind innings, delivering a display full of intent and clarity under pressure. It was also a remarkable moment in his early IPL journey—this was only his third match in the tournament and just his second game under lights.
Reflecting on the innings, Mukul explained that the dismissal of Ayush Badoni forced him to take charge. “When Ayush bhai got out, I knew I had to take responsibility. I just wanted to take the game close. I wasn’t thinking about winning or losing,” he said after the match.
- Innings highlight: seven sixes
- Experience level: third IPL game overall; second match under lights
Growing up on Dhoni’s finishes, backed by Pant’s calm
Hailing from Rajasthan and born in Jhunjhunu, Mukul revealed how his childhood observations of MS Dhoni influenced his mindset for finishing situations. At Eden Gardens, he looked to live that dream by taking the chase into the final phase with authority. He scored 30 runs in the last two overs, sealing a memorable victory that swung on the final delivery.
His unbeaten 54 off 27 balls stood out for both power and composure. In the tightest moments, he credited captain Rishabh Pant for helping him stay settled. Mukul said Pant told him to stop overthinking and simply trust the process: “Pant told me, ‘why are you thinking so much? Don’t. Just follow the process you’ve been working on.’ That helped.”
He also acknowledged that pressure is unavoidable, regardless of experience, adding: “Even if someone is playing their 15th or 50th match, this kind of situation brings pressure. I try to focus on the opportunity, not the pressure.”
- Mukul’s unbeaten knock: 54* off 27 balls
- Late flourish: 30 runs in the final two overs
- Support factor: Rishabh Pant’s advice helped him keep composure
Quick-fire choices and what’s next for LSG
Before the match, Mukul had also made headlines for a rapid-fire podcast where he selected Heinrich Klaasen over multiple wicketkeeping options, including Quinton de Kock, Jos Buttler, KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Prabhsimran Singh.
When asked to choose between Pant and Dhoni, Mukul smiled and gave a clear answer: “Phasa diya aapne… but MS Dhoni.”
Looking ahead, LSG are scheduled to play Gujarat Titans on April 12 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
- LSG next match: vs Gujarat Titans on April 12
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
