Kolkata: Mukul Choudhary emerged as the star performer for the Lucknow Super Giants during a tense match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. The 21-year-old entered the crease with the team struggling at 104/5 in 12.5 overs, as the visitors began to lose grip on the game. Ayush Badoni, who had been in good form with a score of 54 runs, was dismissed shortly after, placing the burden of responsibility squarely on Mukul’s shoulders.
With the game seemingly slipping away from Lucknow’s grasp, Mukul shifted the momentum dramatically. He scored an impressive unbeaten 54 runs off 27 balls, despite receiving minimal support from his teammates. His innings included a crucial 54-run partnership with Avesh Khan, who contributed just one run to the stand. Mukul’s performance not only turned the tide but also led Lucknow to victory in a match that looked firmly within KKR’s control.
Lucknow secured Mukul Choudhary for INR 2.6 crore during the IPL auction, amid interest from three franchises, including the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. This bidding contest resulted in Lucknow winning his services, with Mukul starting with a base price of INR 30 lakhs, thereby increasing his earning nearly ninefold.
In his post-match interview, Mukul spoke about his introduction to cricket, revealing that his father had always dreamed of him pursuing the sport. Mukul, born in Sambhal, faced challenges early on and only began playing cricket at the age of 11. He gradually progressed through the ranks, noting that his experience playing in Delhi and Gurgaon substantially contributed to his development. He emphasized that this was only his second match played under lights and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make a name for himself despite the pressure.
“My journey started when my father was not even married; his dream was for his son to play cricket. I began at the age group level, but there were not many good academies. I played matches in Delhi and Gurgaon, which helped me. When I participated in the U19 match against UP, it was a low-scoring game, and I contributed, so he realized then that I would achieve greatness. This was just my second match under lights. God has given me this opportunity; there can be pressure, but it’s also a chance to establish myself,” Mukul stated during the presentation ceremony.
