In a night packed with drama, 21-year-old Mukul Choudhary produced a sensational unbeaten knock to guide Lucknow Super Giants to a thrilling last-over victory against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Chasing 182, LSG were struggling at 128/7 when Mukul walked in. With most of the top order, including Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, already dismissed, the match seemed out of reach.
However, Mukul displayed remarkable composure, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls. His innings included seven sixes and two boundaries, turning the game on its head.
One particular shot—a whip over mid-wicket—drew comparisons to MS Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot, igniting the crowd and social media alike.
With 14 needed off the final over, Mukul kept his cool. A crucial six and a couple of tense moments brought the equation down to one off the last ball. Though he missed the delivery, a quick leg-bye sealed a dramatic win for LSG.
Head coach Justin Langer had earlier identified Mukul as a potential match-winner. The youngster credited the support from his captain Pant, who encouraged him to play freely without pressure.
Hailing from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, Mukul's journey reflects grit and determination. Initially a medium pacer, he switched to wicketkeeping inspired by Dhoni.
His breakthrough came in domestic cricket, where he scored heavily, including 617 runs in the U-23 State A Trophy. His consistent performances earned him an IPL contract worth ₹2.6 crore.
This match-winning knock not only secured a memorable victory but also marked Mukul's arrival on the big stage. With power-hitting and composure under pressure, he has already begun to shape a reputation as one of India's promising finishers