Mukul Choudhary Candidly Dedicates His Sensational Match-Winning Knock Against KKR to MS Dhoni

Mukul Choudhary struggled in his initial two IPL 2026 appearances for LSG, managing scores of only 14 and 2 in those consecutive outings.

Mukul Choudhary Candidly Dedicates His Sensational Match-Winning Knock Against KKR to MS Dhoni

LSG's Mukul Choudhary dedicated his match-winning knock against KKR to the legendary MS Dhoni. (via NDTV Sports)

In Short
  • Mukul Choudhary scored an unbeaten 54 runs off 27 balls to lead Lucknow Super Giants to a thrilling victory against Kolkata Knight Riders.
  • He dedicated his match-winning innings to his father and his idol, MS Dhoni, citing Dhoni's influence on his playing style.
  • Choudhary's performance included seven sixes and a dramatic finish, drawing comparisons to Dhoni's finishing abilities.

Lucknow Super Giants and has found a new star in 21-year-old Mukul Choudhary, following his match-winning display in a clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. In a somewhat surprising gesture, he dedicated his innings to two people: his father and his idol, MS Dhoni.

One of Rajasthan’s standout performers during the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Mukul Choudhary had scored 173 runs in just five innings in the tournament, at an average of 57.67 and an astonishing strike-rate of 198.85. It immediately caught the attention of IPL scouts, with LSG securing his services for INR 2.6 crores at the end of an intense bidding war against the Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals.

Against KKR, he got the opportunity to take his team over the line in a thrilling 182-run chase at the Eden Gardens. While LSG got off to a good start with a 41-run opening stand, they quickly lost wickets and were left in trouble at 104/5 in the 13th over.

Choudhary kept his nerve to produce a late-game surge and cap off a dramatic finish off the last ball, leading his team to a three-wicket win. The 21-year-old finished with an unbeaten 54 runs off just 27 balls, hitting an impressive seven sixes and two fours.

Choudhary hit two sixes off Vaibhav Arora‘s bowling in the final over, and the winning run with a bye off the last ball. During the 17th over, he executed a near-perfect ‘helicopter’ shot for a six against a yorker, a sight that immediately led fans to draw comparisons between the young right-hander and the legendary MS Dhoni. Like the former Indian captain, Choudhary is also a finisher and a wicket-keeper batter.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mukul Choudhary dedicated the knock to his father, Dalip, who had decided his son would be a cricketer even before his birth. The young uncapped player also dedicated his 54-run POTM innings to his idol Dhoni, revealing that he often saw how the 44-year-old finished games and it even inspired him to take up a similar role as well as a batting position. He told the reporters:

I used to watch how MS Dhoni would finish games. I bat at the same number. He inspired me early in my career, I finished the game and would dedicate it to him.

Furthermore, Choudhary disclosed that he works on his technique by practicing hitting 100-150 sixes everyday. Against KKR, the Jhunjhunu-born cricketer was helped by Ayush Badoni, who finished with an identical score of 54 runs off 34 balls, during the chase. 

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and Mukul Choudhary bond in ‘father-son’ moment post-KKR win

A young Mukul Choudhary, after guiding LSG to a last-gasp win over KKR, shared an emotional moment with team owner Sanjiv Goenka. Infamous for his on-field arguments with team captains, Goenka was surprisingly seen connecting with Choudhary.

Sanjiv Goenka on Mukul Choudhary
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka embraced Mukul Choudhary after his heroics against KKR. (via MSN)

Choudhary was at his best at the iconic Eden Gardens, snatching victory away from KKR’s grasp in the final moments of the chase. He scored his maiden IPL half-century, finishing with an unbeaten 54 runs off just 27 balls. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was elated at the team’s incredible performance, and he jumped in excitement in the stands before walking down to the pitch at the end of the game.

Goenka met the 21-year-old, with fans describing the scene as ‘fatherly’. The LSG owner was visibly moved by Choudhary’s persistence during the chase and embraced the young wicket-keeper batter in a long, heartfelt hug. Goenka further highlighted the innings’ importance by showing his affectionate side, which included cupping the player’s face, patting his back, and kissing him on his forehead.

Sanjiv Goenka posted an emotional message for the young finisher on social media, in which he also commended Ayush Badoni for his supporting role. Furthermore, he praised captain Rishabh Pant’s strong leadership, thus dispelling previous rumors of a conflict.

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