Eden Gardens witnessed a new hero on Thursday as Lucknow Super Giants’ uncapped talent Mukul Chaudhary orchestrated a stunning chase against Kolkata Knight Riders. The 21-year-old’s unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, laced with seven massive sixes, rescued LSG from 104/5 to victory chasing 182.
The match hung in balance with 54 needed off 24 balls, Chaudhary partnering Avesh Khan. This was only his second IPL innings, yet he displayed ice-cool nerves. From scoring just 2 off 6 in the 16th, he shifted gears: 11 in the 17th (1×6, 1×4), 13 in the 18th (2×6), 16 in the 19th (2×6, 1×4), and clinched the last over with two sixes amid 14 required.
Cricketing greats lauded his Dhoni-esque finishing. In a candid chat, Chaudhary shared his roots. His father, Dalip, envisioned a cricketer son pre-marriage, sacrificing his job. Mother Sunita handled dawn routines for training. A Jhunjhunu native, Mukul honed skills in Delhi and Gurugram after starting as a bowler in resource-scarce Sikkim.
Rajasthan domestic star: First-class and T20 debut 2023, List A 2025. CK Naidu 617 runs in 2025-26, Syed Mushtaq Ali fireworks at 198.85 SR caught LSG’s eye, fetching 2.6 crore in IPL 2026 auction.
Loving sixes since childhood, daily 100-150 reps built his power. Helicopter shots echoed idol Dhoni. Arjun Tendulkar’s endorsement rang true. This journey from Rajasthan dust to IPL spotlight promises more fireworks ahead.
