Who is Mukul Choudhary? 21-year-old MS Dhoni fan stuns KKR with helicopter shots

An MS Dhoni admirer, Mukul Choudhary produced the knock of his career to guide Lucknow Super Giants to a three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Thursday, finishing off the chase with a composed display under pressure.

In Short

• Mukul Choudhary scored an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to stun KKR
• Mukul idolises MS Dhoni as a finisher and wicketkeeper
• The defeat meant KKR remained winless after four matches

Mukul Choudhary, a self-confessed admirer of MS Dhoni, delivered a match-winning unbeaten 54 off 27 balls as Lucknow Super Giants stunned Kolkata Knight Riders with a last-over win at Eden Gardens. The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter held his nerve in a chase of 182 and turned the game around after LSG had slipped deep into trouble.

KKR vs LSG: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

Ahead of IPL 2026, head coach Justin Langer had spoken about Mukul's potential to become one of India's most dangerous finishers. On Thursday, the youngster showed that promise, scoring a fifty off 25 balls and pulling off a heist that seemed unlikely for most of the chase. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 54 off 27 deliveries, clearing the ropes at will with seven towering sixes and two crisp boundaries. One stroke in particular, a fierce whip over mid-wicket, evoked memories of MS Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot, sending the crowd into a frenzy and triggering a wave of nostalgia across the stadium and social media.

LSG were 104 for 5 when Mukul walked in, and the situation worsened to 128 for 7 in the 16th over. With 54 still needed and the top order, including Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni, back in the dugout, the game appeared firmly in KKR's control. Mukul refused to panic. He absorbed the pressure, picked his moments, and ensured the asking rate never spiralled out of reach.

The equation came down to 14 off the final over. After Avesh Khan nudged a single, Mukul cleared square leg for a crucial six off Vaibhav Arora. Two dot balls followed and tightened the contest, but another extraordinary strike off a near-yorker brought it down to one off the final ball.

Mukul swung and missed a slower bouncer but sprinted through for a leg-bye to seal a dramatic win, completing a remarkable turnaround. It was an innings built on clarity and composure and one that justified the faith the team management had placed in him.

Speaking earlier in the season, Mukul had acknowledged the confidence instilled in him by Langer and Pant. "There is pressure when someone like him says that, but it also gives me confidence. I'm taking that positively. Pant bhai told me to enjoy my game and not take pressure. He has been backing me since our camp in Chennai," Mukul had said after his IPL debut.

On a tense night in Kolkata, that support translated into belief, and that belief led to one of the standout finishes of the season.

WHO IS MUKUL CHOUDHARY?

Mukul Choudhary, a wicketkeeper-batter from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, has risen through the ranks on the back of strong domestic performances and sustained family support. His father, Dalip Kumar Choudhary, played a key role in his early journey, backing his ambitions despite limited facilities in his hometown.

After establishing financial stability through his work as a teacher and later in real estate and hospitality, his father ensured Mukul had access to proper training by enrolling him at the SBS Cricket Academy in Sikar. Mukul later moved to Jaipur to train at the Aravali Cricket Academy, with his family relocating to support his development.

He did not begin as a wicketkeeper. Mukul started out as a medium-fast bowler before taking up wicketkeeping during a match due to team requirements. Inspired by MS Dhoni, he adapted quickly and went on to make the role his own.

His breakthrough came in the 2025 Men's U-23 State A Trophy, where he scored 617 runs at an average of 103 and a strike rate of 142, including consecutive centuries. His power-hitting stood out, with 34 sixes in the tournament, the highest by any batter.

That performance earned him a place in Rajasthan's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the 2025-26 edition, he scored 173 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 199, further strengthening his credentials as a finisher.

Mukul has also featured in List A cricket, although he is yet to make a significant impact in the format.

He was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 2.6 crore at the 2026 IPL auction following interest from multiple franchises. His innings against KKR adds to his growing reputation as a finisher and highlights his ability to deliver under pressure at the top level.

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