NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a breathtaking last-ball triumph over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, and the spotlight quickly shifted to young Mukul Choudhary. In a chase of 182, he looked like the only batter with momentum when the innings was slipping away, smashing an unbeaten 54 off 27 deliveries to flip the contest at the most critical moment.<\/p>\n
After receiving Player of the Match honours, Choudhary spoke about how his path to cricket began long before he ever picked up a bat. \u201cMy journey actually started even before I was born. My father had a dream that one day his son would play cricket. But at that time, our financial situation wasn\u2019t strong, so I couldn\u2019t begin early.\u201d<\/p>\n
He then outlined how his training started in earnest during his teenage years. \u201cI began playing around the age of 12 or 13. Back then, there weren\u2019t many academies. One facility, SBC Cricket Academy, had just opened, and I trained there for roughly five to six years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Choudhary\u2019s climb also required movement\u2014chasing stronger environments and better chances to improve. \u201cAfter that, I moved to Jaipur because if you want to play at a higher level, you have to keep moving forward. I\u2019ve been training in Jaipur for the last four years,\u201d he said, before explaining how regular match exposure shaped his game.<\/p>\n
He added that the experience of playing in different conditions played a key role in his development. \u201cI spent about three to four months in Gurugram and took part in matches in Delhi too, which helped me adjust to faster, more demanding cricket.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the pressure high during a tight chase, Choudhary insisted his approach stayed uncomplicated. \u201cYes, there is pressure, sir. But I feel this is an opportunity that God has given me, so I just trust my ability. It\u2019s a moment where you can become something big and make a name for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about his plan during the pursuit, he was direct. \u201cMy strategy was simple\u2014I wanted to bat through to the end. If I can stay not out until the last part of the chase, I believe we can win.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the ball-by-ball situation narrowed, Choudhary waited for his opening. \u201cEven if the bowler manages to land four perfect deliveries, I\u2019m sure at least one will come into my area. I just need one ball that I can send for a six.\u201d<\/p>\n
That moment arrived\u2014and he made it count. \u201cThe first one. I hadn\u2019t hit a six in the previous two matches, so that first six was really special for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the fearless nature of his batting, Choudhary said his instincts have always leaned attacking. \u201cSince childhood, I\u2019ve always played with intent. I\u2019ve always been the type who looks to hit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even with the win and the personal spotlight, he kept his perspective grounded. \u201cYes sir\u2026 they serve the country at the borders. I\u2019m just doing my part here.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a breathtaking last-ball triumph over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, and the spotlight quickly shifted to young…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1519,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: Mukul Choudhary Last-Ball Heroics vs KKR","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"IPL 2026: Mukul Choudhary\u2019s unbeaten 54 off 27 powers LSG\u2019s last-ball win over KKR\u2014watch the match-turning heroics unfold.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1520","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n