Justin Langer’s Prophecy Fulfilled as Mukul Choudhary Scripts Dramatic LSG Heist Against KKR
A bold prediction by Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer has materialized following a match-winning performance by 21-year-old batter Mukul Choudhary during the IPL 2026 season. A viral training video showed Langer telling the young player, “In the next four months, I am going to turn you into the scariest No. 6 or 7 batter in India.” Choudhary validated that statement during a tense run chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
A Historic Chase at Eden Gardens
Chasing a target of 182, the Lucknow Super Giants found themselves struggling at 128 for 7 after 16 overs. Playing in only his third IPL match, Choudhary engineered a remarkable recovery. He scored an unbeaten 54 off 27 deliveries, clearing the boundary ropes with seven sixes to secure a three-wicket victory on the final ball.
| Match Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| Target | 182 Runs |
| LSG Position at 16 Overs | 128/7 |
| Choudhary Score | 54 Not Out (27 balls) |
| Sixes Hit | 7 |
The Making of a Finisher
Choudhary’s path to professional cricket required navigating significant resource constraints. Originally from Jhunjhunu, he did not begin playing the sport until age 12. He trained at a local academy in Sikar before relocating to Jaipur, eventually moving to Gurugram to refine his T20 skills for the modern game.
- Aggressive Mindset: Choudhary scored 52 of his 54 runs off his final 19 deliveries.
- Self-Belief: The batter noted his ability to wait for the right delivery, stating, “Even if the bowler delivers four perfect balls, I knew one would come into my zone.”
- Family Motivation: Choudhary credits his father’s early ambitions for driving his professional career.
Following the final ball victory, Choudhary earned the Player of the Match award. “My plan was to play till the end. I believe in myself so much that if I stayed, I could take the team home,” he told reporters. “There is pressure, but I focus on the opportunity, not the pressure.”