Lucknow Super Giants batter Mukul Choudhary has opened up about a key piece of advice he received from Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting great Virat Kohli—highlighting that the true mark of a top finisher is how they perform when the pressure spikes, not just how many sixes they can hit.
Key takeaways
- Choudhary said Kohli told him that hitting sixes is no longer enough to define greatness in modern T20 cricket.
- Kohli’s message focused on finishing matches under pressure, particularly in chases where wickets fall and required run rates rise.
- Choudhary credited the conversation as a mindset shift, urging him to prioritise control and composure over big shots alone.
- In IPL 2026, Choudhary has played nine games for LSG, scoring 169 runs at an average of 33.80.
- His standout knock came versus Kolkata Knight Riders, when he made an unbeaten 54 to help LSG win.
- LSG will close their league campaign on Saturday against Punjab Kings, while PBKS need a win to keep their playoff chances alive.
Kohli’s finishing lesson for Choudhary
Choudhary explained that when he spoke to Kohli, the Bengaluru star referenced watching him during LSG’s game against KKR. He said Kohli pointed out that Choudhary’s finishing in that match stood out, and used it to emphasise a bigger lesson.
In Choudhary’s telling, Kohli noted that clearing the boundary has become routine for many young batters. The more difficult skill is learning how to close out matches when the match situation tightens—especially during chases of 170 or 180. According to Choudhary, Kohli stressed the importance of staying calm even as wickets tumble and the required rate keeps climbing.
Choudhary added that Kohli made it clear that handling that kind of pressure is what separates ordinary hitters from players who can consistently deliver. Finishing games repeatedly, he said, is a rare talent, and Kohli urged him to focus on that specific ability rather than only looking to hit big shots.
Impact in IPL 2026 and a crucial final league game
Along with those lessons, Choudhary’s form has backed up the promise. The batter has made several influential cameos in pressure situations and delivered a memorable match-winning performance against KKR.
Overall, he has appeared in nine matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, accumulating 169 runs with an average of 33.80. His best showing came against Kolkata Knight Riders, where the young right-handed batter struck an unbeaten 54 and steered his team to victory with a knock described as match-winning.
Now, LSG are scheduled to play their last league match of the season on Saturday against Punjab Kings. Since Lucknow have already been knocked out of playoff contention, the game becomes one of pride—ending the campaign on a positive note and ensuring they do not finish at the bottom of the table.
For Punjab Kings, the encounter carries far greater weight. They are currently placed fifth in the points standings, and they must win on the night to keep their playoff hopes alive, with their qualification also depending on other results expected on Sunday.
