The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for creating heroes, and Thursday (April 9) was no different, as the world’s biggest franchise tournament got not just a hero but a new superstar in the form of Mukul Choudhary at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Young Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wicketkeeper-batsman Mukul Choudhary left everyone stunned with a breathtaking and fearless performance under pressure. Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Umesh Yadav was also included among them.
Mukul Chaudhary’s fearless innings surprised Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav was full of praise for Mukul Chaudhary after the LSG star destroyed KKR’s hopes in the IPL 2026 thriller at the Eden Gardens. When LSG slipped to 128/7 everyone believed that KKR had finished the game, but the right-handed batsman had a different plan to spoil the party.
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The 21-year-old scored an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls to take LSG over the line on the last ball. Praising his “extraordinary innings”, Umesh said that Eden Gardens will not forget Mukul’s name for a long time. He said that this young player showed maturity far beyond his age.
The whole of India will remember the name of Mukul Chaudhary for a long time: Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav said on JioHotStar, “It looked like KKR were on top of the game. The batting that Mukul Chaudhary showed said that nothing is impossible and he did it. Such an extraordinary innings and in such conditions; definitely remember this name. The whole of India will remember his name for a long time. The way he batted was commendable.”
“He showed maturity. The performances he has shown in domestic cricket, he came with that confidence and attitude that he will finish games. In today’s cricket you need that confidence the most. LSG showed that confidence in him,” the former RCB star said.
Umesh was impressed by Mukul’s confidence and smart game
Meanwhile, Umesh was really impressed by the fact that Mukul had no recognized batting partner with him at the end, yet he pulled off a sensational chase single-handedly in Kolkata. The former KKR bowler said, “He showed focus and confidence that he will finish the game.”
Ayush Badoni had already returned to the pavilion. Mohammed Shami could play only a few balls. Mukul and fast bowler Avesh Khan were in the last overs. Under such immense pressure, the youth did not lose hope and did not panic but pursued like a commander.
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Avesh faced barely three balls in about five overs as Mukul took the entire responsibility of chasing the target, and the way he took singles left Umesh amazed and asking Avesh to just survive at the other end and take calculated risks.
‘Today a new superstar was born’
Umesh Yadav feels that this match could be a turning point in Mukul’s career and urged LSG to continue to nurture this talent regularly in the ongoing IPL 2026. His composure, cricketing intelligence, bold stroke play and ability to handle pressure made Umesh a surprise for Mukul.
Yadav signed off by saying, “Another superstar and finisher is on his way to LSG. He will do even better as he keeps playing because in T20, when you perform well in a match, with that confidence and experience, you know what you need to do to move forward. The way he batted, today (Thursday) a new superstar was born.”