Who is Mukul Choudhary? 21-year-old Dhoni fan stuns KKR with helicopter shots

Young wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary, a self-confessed admirer of MS Dhoni, produced a sensational unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to guide the Lucknow Super Giants to a dramatic last-over victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

Chasing 182, LSG were in deep trouble at 128 for 7 when Mukul walked in. What followed was a composed yet explosive counterattack, as the 21-year-old soaked in pressure and shifted gears with remarkable clarity. He smashed seven sixes and two boundaries, bringing up his fifty in just 25 balls.

One standout moment — a powerful whip over mid-wicket — drew comparisons to Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot, igniting nostalgia among fans in the stadium and online.

With 14 needed off the final over, Mukul kept his nerve. After a single by Avesh Khan, he launched a crucial six before navigating two dot balls that tightened the equation. Another audacious strike brought the target down to one off the last ball. Though he missed a slower bouncer, Mukul sprinted through for a leg-bye to seal a memorable win.

Promise meets performance

Ahead of IPL 2026, LSG head coach Justin Langer had backed Mukul to emerge as one of India’s most dangerous finishers — a prediction that now looks increasingly prescient.

Earlier in the season, Mukul credited the support of captain Rishabh Pant for helping him stay calm under pressure. On Thursday, that belief translated into one of the standout finishes of the tournament.

From Rajasthan to the big stage

Hailing from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, Mukul’s journey has been shaped by persistence and strong family backing. Initially a medium-fast bowler, he took up wicketkeeping out of necessity and soon found inspiration in Dhoni.

His breakthrough came in the 2025 Men’s U-23 State A Trophy, where he amassed 617 runs at an average of 103, including multiple centuries and a tournament-high tally of sixes. He followed it up with a blistering showing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, striking at nearly 200.

Signed by LSG for ₹2.6 crore in the 2026 IPL auction, Mukul’s match-winning knock against KKR not only justifies that investment but also marks his arrival as a finisher to watch on the big stage.