From Selling the Family Home to an IPL Sensation: The Untold Story of LSG’s Mukul Choudhary
NEW DELHI: “Nothing is achieved in a moment; an entire phase of life passed in this struggle.” This translated excerpt from poet Sandeep Dwivedi’s book serves as the WhatsApp status of Dalip Choudhary. It captures the long, difficult road his son, Mukul Choudhary, traveled to become a recognizable name in the Indian Premier League.
Overcoming Early Jitters in the IPL
Mukul faced extreme pressure early in his IPL career. During the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 21-year-old struggled to find his batting rhythm during a tense chase. While LSG captain Rishabh Pant eventually guided the team to victory, Mukul returned to the team hotel overwhelmed by emotion.
Dalip, watching from his home in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, noticed his son’s distress during a post-match video call. The young batter felt the weight of his auction price tag, frustrated that he could not immediately repay the management’s faith. He promised his father a strong comeback in the next fixture.
The Cost of a Dream: 70 Kilometers and a Liquidated Home
Hailing from the small village of Khedaro Ki Dhani, Mukul’s journey to professional cricket required immense family sacrifice. When LSG secured him at the auction for INR 2.60 crore—13 times his base price of INR 20 lakh—Mukul’s immediate priority was clearing the debts his father accumulated to fund his training.
Dalip Choudhary committed to his son’s cricket career from birth. Following failed ventures in civil services and real estate, Dalip enrolled Mukul at the SBS Crickhub in Sikar in 2016. To afford the academy fees and associated costs, Dalip made drastic financial decisions.
- Asset Liquidation: Sold the family home for INR 21 lakh, ensuring all transactions were recorded electronically.
- Business Risks: Opened a hotel and took additional loans, which led to missed installments and a brief jail sentence for debt default.
- Social Isolation: Endured heavy criticism from relatives who labeled his choices financially reckless.
Rising Through the Domestic Ranks
Mukul’s breakthrough came through consistent performances in domestic cricket governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), an ecosystem heavily monitored by ESPNcricinfo and national talent scouts.
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Under-23 State A Trophy | – | 617 | 142.49 | 39 Sixes, 2 Centuries, 4 Fifties |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 5 | 173 | 198.85 | Replaced injured Kartik Sharma |
His performance secured the attention of Rajasthan Ranji coach Anshu Jain, who drafted him into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. Jain highlighted Mukul’s physical advantages and shot-making ability, particularly a memorable helicopter-style cover drive hit for six against Mumbai.
Arrival at Eden Gardens
Growing up, Mukul idolized MS Dhoni after watching him hit the winning six in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He adopted Dhoni’s finishing mentality, understanding that attacking challenging deliveries like yorkers forces bowlers to alter their strategies.
That philosophy translated into results during LSG’s subsequent clash at Eden Gardens. Mukul delivered a match-defining 27-ball blitz, dedicating the performance to his father and his childhood idol. By executing under pressure on a major stage, Mukul Choudhary validated his family’s sacrifices and established himself as a reliable finisher.