Published on: Apr 10, 2026 4:08 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 10, 2026 4:09 pm IST
The Indian Premier League has always been a platform for the youngsters to shine. Last night was no different in the Tata IPL 2026, as a share of the cash-rich league’s spotlight firmly belonged to LSG’s latest sensation, Mukul Chaudhary. The young batter stunned one and all with his power-hitting pyrotechnics to clinch victory for his side from the jaws of the 3-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
It’s not easy to keep your nerves intact in a high-pressure situation. But what Mukul did the other night was nothing short of sensational. When the chips were down, the youngster rose to the occasion to hand his side their second win of the Tata IPL 2026.
In a high-stakes chase, the 21-year-old smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls, guiding LSG to a thrilling last-ball victory. While chasing a formidable 182, LSG was reduced to 128 for the loss of 7 wickets in 16 overs. With 24 balls in hand and 54 to get, Chaushary’s sensational knock ensured LSG crossed the finishing line on the very last ball of the game.
What made the innings even more remarkable was the way he accelerated. At one stage, he struggled early with 2 off 6 deliveries but then unleashed a barrage of sixes, finishing the game in style. His fearless approach and composure under pressure drew comparisons with some of the best finishers the game has ever witnessed.
Born in Jhunjhunu, a small town in Rajasthan, Mukul Choudhary’s journey to the IPL is a classic story of perseverance and ambition. The right-handed batter has steadily risen through the domestic ranks, representing Rajasthan in both first-class and limited-overs cricket.
Primarily a wicketkeeper-batter, Choudhary is known for his aggressive style in the middle order. His domestic T20 numbers already hinted at his potential, with a strong strike rate and consistent performances. In the IPL 2026 auction, LSG secured his services for ₹2.6 crore, a move that initially flew under the radar. However, his imperious performance last night against Kolkata Knight Riders has more than just justified his price tag.
After his heroics, Star Sports shared a video on social media platforms where Mukul mentioned how fond he is of MS Dhoni and how he draws inspiration from the former talismanic wicketkeeper-batter. Check out the excerpt from the video where Mukul termed Dhoni as his role model.
have always seen MS Dhoni because I was a keeper. I am a keeper. So I have grown up seeing him, the helicopter shot he plays. The 2011 World Cup always keeps playing (in my head). I remember everything. He has been my role model. I am also a finisher; I want to be like him and finish games like him. So he is my role model.”
After the whirlwind innings Mukul played against KKR, fans on social media praised his efforts. Among all the acknowledgments, Mukul was lauded by his team’s head coach, Justin Langer. After the match got over, Langer, in a post-match interview, revealed that it was LSG’s performance analyst Shrinivas Chandrasekaran who forced the management to rope in the 21-year youngster in the IPL 2026 auctions. Langer was quoted saying,
“Oh, we saw him earlier at a training camp a few months ago, the first time we picked him up. There’s so much talent in this country. A big shout-out goes to Shrinivas, our data analyst, who said, ‘Coach, we’ve got to get this kid.’ So we did, and we were lucky to.”
Langer further compared Mukul’s fitness to that of Virat Kohli. Here’s what he had to say.
“What I love most about him is that he’s a real athlete. The way he runs between the wickets is elite, like Virat. But the other thing is his game sense. We’ve had some practice games, and the way he talks about the game feels like he’s played 300 matches already. He’s got power, he’s a great athlete, and he’s got grace. As we both know, that’s a pretty good combination.”
After that nail-biting win last night, the Lucknow Super Giants have now creeped up to the 5th spot on the points table with 2 wins and a loss out of 3 games. Mukul’s effort didn’t go in vain, and he should feel secure now regarding his position in the playing XI as a finisher.
LSG is now scheduled to play three huge games against former champions. They will next host the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 12th. LSG will then play two away games against the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on April 15, followed by a clash against last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Punjab, on April 19, before returning home to host the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals on April 22.
Tags: IPL 2026