Mukesh Choudhary

Mukesh Choudhary

Role: Bowler
DOB: 06 July 1996
IPL Team (2026): Unsold
Base Price: ₹20 Lakh (last auction entry)

The Story of Mukesh Choudhary

From the dusty grounds of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, to the bright lights of the IPL, Mukesh Choudhary’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of a left-arm seamer. Born in 1996, Mukesh honed his craft in Maharashtra’s domestic circuit, steadily making a name for himself with his ability to swing the new ball. While his early career saw flashes of brilliance, it was the IPL 2022 mega-auction that truly put him on the national radar, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) picking him up for his base price of ₹20 lakh.

His IPL debut season in 2022 was a rollercoaster. Initially struggling for rhythm and leaking runs, Mukesh found himself under immense pressure. However, the unwavering faith of MS Dhoni, a master at nurturing raw talent, proved to be his turning point. Dhoni’s consistent backing and strategic guidance allowed Mukesh to settle, find his length, and unleash his natural swing. He quickly became CSK’s go-to bowler in the powerplay, often providing crucial breakthroughs with his deceptive inswingers to right-handers.

Mukesh’s breakthrough moment came in a crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he dismantled their top order with a fiery spell, including the prized scalp of Rahul Tripathi. His ability to bowl at pace and generate movement off the pitch, particularly with the new ball, made him a potent weapon. He ended the season as one of CSK’s leading wicket-takers, showcasing his potential as a future Indian pace prospect. His aggressive approach and knack for picking up wickets in the powerplay quickly endeared him to the CSK faithful, earning him the moniker of a “powerplay specialist.”

Unfortunately, injuries have since plagued his career, sidelining him for the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons. Despite these setbacks, the memory of his impactful 2022 season remains, a reminder of the raw talent and match-winning potential he possesses when fully fit and firing.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Mukesh Choudhary’s IPL journey has, to date, been exclusively with the Chennai Super Kings. He was acquired by CSK in the IPL 2022 mega-auction for his base price of ₹20 lakh. This was his debut season in the league, and he made an immediate, albeit initially rocky, impact. In IPL 2022, he played 13 matches, emerging as a vital cog in CSK’s bowling attack, especially in the powerplay. He finished the season with 16 wickets at an average of 25.31 and an economy rate of 8.26, a commendable performance for an uncapped Indian pacer.

Following his impressive debut, expectations were high for Mukesh in the subsequent seasons. However, a stress fracture ruled him out of the entire IPL 2023 season, a significant blow to both the player and the franchise. Further injury concerns kept him out of IPL 2024 as well. Despite his strong showing in 2022, his prolonged absence due to injury has meant he hasn’t featured in an IPL auction since being retained by CSK after his impressive debut. For the 2026 season, given his extended time away from competitive IPL cricket, he is currently unsold, awaiting a strong domestic comeback to re-enter the league’s reckoning.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

For bettors, Mukesh Choudhary in his prime (as seen in 2022) offered specific value propositions. His primary strength lies in his left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball prodigiously. This makes him a prime candidate for “First Wicket Taker” or “Most Wickets in Powerplay” bets, especially on pitches with a hint of moisture or movement. He thrives against right-handed opening batsmen, often setting them up with outswingers before bringing one back in sharply. His best performances came when he found early swing, making him a high-impact, early-game bowler.

However, his weaknesses are also notable. If the new ball doesn’t swing, Mukesh can become predictable and expensive, particularly in the middle and death overs. His economy rate of 8.26, while decent for a wicket-taking bowler, indicates he can leak runs if his primary weapon isn’t firing. His injury history is a significant concern for long-term betting, as consistency and availability are paramount. Bettors should be cautious about placing bets on him in flat, high-scoring venues or when he’s bowling outside the powerplay, unless there’s a clear tactical advantage or a very specific matchup. When considering him for future bets, his current fitness and recent domestic form will be critical indicators of his potential impact.

Key Records & Milestones

• One of only a handful of uncapped Indian pacers to take 15+ wickets (16 wickets) in their debut IPL season (2022).
• Best bowling figures of 4/46 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022, dismantling their top order.
• Was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in the powerplay during IPL 2022, showcasing his new-ball prowess.
• Achieved a bowling strike rate of 18.38 in IPL 2022, indicating a wicket every three overs on average.

IPL Season Highlights

Mukesh Choudhary’s standout IPL season was undoubtedly 2022, his debut year. After a challenging start, he found his rhythm and became a crucial wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings. A memorable performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 8, 2022, where he registered his career-best figures of 4/46. He ripped through SRH’s top order, picking up the crucial wickets of Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, and Shashank Singh, effectively derailing their chase and helping CSK secure a vital win.

Another impactful spell was against Mumbai Indians earlier in the season, on April 21, 2022. Mukesh opened the bowling and immediately made an impression, dismissing both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan for ducks in the very first over, setting the tone for CSK’s dramatic last-ball victory. These performances highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure and provide early breakthroughs, making him a fan favorite and a bowler to watch out for.