Cricholic
Mukul Choudhary delivered the innings of his life as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 3 wickets in a thrilling last-ball finish at Eden Gardens. Chasing 182, LSG were under pressure for most of the innings. However, the young batter’s fearless strokeplay and calm finishing turned the match in spectacular fashion. Moreover, the fearless finish under pressure highlighted Mukul Choudhary’s maturity and temperament.
The 21-year-old remained unbeaten on 54 off 27 balls*, smashing 2 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 200.00. As a result, LSG finished at 182/7 in 20 overs, while Mukul Choudhary was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
🔥 Mukul Choudhary changes the game with a fearless finish
LSG began the chase with intent as Mitchell Marsh (15) and Aiden Markram (22) attacked early. However, KKR kept striking at regular intervals and never allowed the visitors to settle.
Soon after, Rishabh Pant (10) and Nicholas Pooran (13) departed, which increased the pressure on the middle order. At that stage, the required run rate climbed sharply, and KKR looked in firm control.
Meanwhile, Ayush Badoni played a brilliant knock of 54 off 34 balls, keeping the chase alive with timely boundaries and smart strike rotation. Moreover, his partnership with Mukul Choudhary brought stability at a crucial point in the innings.
Even after Badoni’s dismissal, however, Mukul Choudhary stayed composed. Instead, he waited for the ball in his zone and punished anything loose.
Most importantly, his clean hitting in the death overs changed the momentum. Eventually, Mukul held his nerve in the final over and guided LSG home on the last ball, sealing one of the most dramatic wins of IPL 2026.
🏏 Mukul Choudhary watches KKR post 181 at Eden Gardens
Earlier, KKR posted a competitive 181/4 in 20 overs after being put in to bat.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with 41 off 24 balls, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 45 off 33. Together, they built a solid foundation for the innings.
Later, Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 32, while Rovman Powell’s 39 off 24 balls* gave KKR the finishing flourish. Consequently, KKR crossed the 180-run mark, which looked like a strong total on a slightly slow surface.
For LSG, meanwhile, Digvesh Singh Rathi impressed with 1/25, while Manimaran Siddharth (1/34) and Avesh Khan (1/44) picked up important wickets.
📊 Match Scorecard
🟣 Kolkata Knight Riders – 181/4 (20)
Batting:
Ajinkya Rahane – 41 (24)
Angkrish Raghuvanshi – 45 (33)
Cameron Green – 32* (24)
Rovman Powell – 39* (24)
Bowling (LSG):
Digvesh Singh Rathi – 1/25 (4)
Manimaran Siddharth – 1/34 (4)
Avesh Khan – 1/44 (4)
Prince Yadav – 1/47 (4)
🔵 Lucknow Super Giants – 182/7 (20)
Batting:
Ayush Badoni – 54 (34)
Mukul Choudhary – 54* (27)
Aiden Markram – 22 (15)
Nicholas Pooran – 13 (15)
Bowling (KKR):
Vaibhav Arora – 2/38 (4)
Anukul Roy – 2/32 (4)
Sunil Narine – 1/13 (4)
Kartik Tyagi – 1/31 (3)
🏆 Match Result
Lucknow Super Giants won by 3 wickets
🌟 Player of the Match
Mukul Choudhary – 54 (27)*
🌟 Mukul Choudhary journey from dream to IPL hero
After the match, Mukul Choudhary shared his emotional story. In fact, he spoke about his father’s dream of seeing him become a cricketer and the struggles he faced growing up.
Despite starting cricket late, he worked hard in Sikar, Jaipur, and Gurugram to improve his T20 game. Furthermore, that hard work was clearly visible in his confidence under pressure.
Ultimately, therefore, this innings may prove to be the defining moment of his career.
