There's a name that has rapidly emerged as one of the major highlights of IPL 2026 and he's 21-year old wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary from Rajasthan.
While playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Mukul came to the limelight after his exceptional display against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
At one stage LSG looked far out of the game, but Mukul went out and played a fearless innings for his side. He smashed 54* off just 27 balls, where seven sixes were hit. To further add context, LSG still required 54 runs off 4 overs and Mukul didn't have much support at the crease. But he didn't flinch and got his side over the line.
It is safe to say that before this innings only the cricket fans were familiar with the name of Mukul Choudhary but post this innings his name was all over the nation. A truly remarkable performance that displayed his temperament and fearlessness even at a tender age.
From Rajasthan to the IPL Spotlight
Mukul's rise to prominence has been built on a foundation of success at the domestic level. He was a standout performer in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he managed to score 173 runs at an average of over 57 at a strike rate nearing 200.
But before this, Mukul was already making noise in age group cricket. Scored 600+ runs with back-to-back centuries which soon got him selected into the Rajasthan team. After that the IPL scouts came knocking and both Mumbai Indians and LSG showed interest and after a bid battle, the latter signed him for INR 2.60 crore.
LSG coach Justin Langer had already complimented Mukul, saying he had the potential to be one of the "scariest number 6 or 7 batters in India." This fact was clearly visible in the match-winning knock against KKR.
Just like many other young wicketkeeper-batters of India, Mukul looks up to MS Dhoni, the legend of the finishing job. And his composed and intelligent finishing act against KKR has reminded many fans of MS Dhoni. What many don't know is that Mukul wasn't initially a wicketkeeper. He started keeping wicket during his academy days as their team didn't have one.
Mukul's journey started from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan and later he came to Jaipur to follow his dreams and join a cricket academy which has also been home to Kartik Sharma and Ashok Sharma. Kartik played a tiny but crucial part in Mukul's career. Due to Kartik's injury, Mukul was given a chance to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and he surely didn't miss the chance.
Today, Mukul Choudhary is a name that the world knows. And is hailed as the young player with loads of potential to go a long way in Indian cricket. The fearlessness and composure that Mukul showed during the match have assured the fans that he could be a big star in the future.
Right now, if anyone asks "Who is Mukul Choudhary?", then the answer is a young player who secured a match-winning victory for LSG and announced himself on the big stage.