Mukul Choudhary’s 27-Ball 54 Seals Last-Ball Victory for LSG Against KKR
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a three-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in a final-ball finish during the 2026 Indian Premier League season. Chasing a target of 182, LSG found themselves under pressure before 21-year-old rookie wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary anchored the chase with an unbeaten 54 off 27 deliveries.
Match Summary: KKR vs LSG
Kolkata Knight Riders controlled the early phases of the second innings, maintaining pressure on the LSG top order. The momentum shifted through a steady innings from Ayush Badoni, who scored 54 runs from 34 balls. Choudhary then took command in the death overs, hitting two boundaries and seven sixes to close the gap. The match went down to the final delivery, with Choudhary crossing the line to complete the 182-run chase.
| Team | Score/Target | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 181 (First Innings) | Match data pending |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 182/7 (20 Overs) | Mukul Choudhary 54* (27), Ayush Badoni 54 (34) |
For complete season standings, visit the official IPL points table.
Who is Mukul Choudhary?
Born in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Mukul Choudhary is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter representing Rajasthan in the Indian domestic circuit. LSG acquired him for Rs 2.60 crore during the IPL 2026 auction following his high-strike-rate performances in domestic T20 tournaments.
Career Highlights and Statistics
- Domestic Teams: Rajasthan, Lucknow Super Giants
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: 173 runs in five innings (198.85 strike rate)
- IPL 2026 Auction Price: Rs 2.60 crore
- First-Class Debut: January 2023 (Ranji Trophy)
- List A Debut: December 2025
Detailed historical records for Indian domestic tournaments are tracked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Background and Transition to Wicketkeeping
Choudhary began his training at the SBS Cricket Academy in Sikar, Rajasthan. Originally a medium-fast bowler, he transitioned to wicketkeeping after filling the role during a local match. Modeling his game after former Indian captain MS Dhoni, Choudhary developed a reputation for aggressive batting in the final overs, maintaining a career T20 strike rate above 160.
To access advanced training facilities, Choudhary moved to the Aravali Cricket Academy in Jaipur. His father, Dalip Kumar Choudhary, financially supported his development through work in real estate and hospitality. His mother and younger sister relocated to Jaipur to manage his daily routine and training schedule, allowing him to concentrate entirely on professional cricket.
For additional profiles on emerging Indian cricket prospects, consult ESPNcricinfo.