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Mukul Choudhary secured a last-ball win for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday, April 9 at the Eden Gardens with a fiery knock of 54 runs off 27 deliveries, including seven sixes and two fours. The 21-year-old batter's highlight moment came when he emulated MS Dhoni's helicopter shot for a six over long-on off Vaibhav Arora in the 17th over of the thriller.
Coincidently, former CSK batter, Faf du Plessis was doing commentary when Choudhary played the helicopter shot and he left no chance to tease his former teammate.
"MS Dhoni, eat your heart out! The helicopter shot is back," said du Plessis during commentary.
After securing a thrilling win for LSG, Mukul Choudhary revealed that he is heavily influenced with MS Dhoni's batting style as he idolises him since his childhood days. The latter also dedicated his fiery knock to former India captain and his father.
"I used to watch how MS Dhoni would finish games," revealed Mukul at the post-game conference.
"I bat at the same number. He inspired me early in my career, I finished the game and would dedicate it to him," added Mukul.
How Mukul Choudhary turned the game in LSG's favour
For a major chunk of the second innings, KKR had a strong grip on the match. Vaibhav Arora removed both Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, before Cameron Green dismissed LSG skipper Rishabh Pant in his debut over. Meanwhile, Ayush Badoni kept the chase alive with a resilient knock of 54 runs, but lacked support from the other end as KKR bowlers exposed the batting line-up. After Mohammed Shami's dismissal LSG were struggling at 128/7, requiring 54 runs from 24 deliveries.
It was Mukul Choudhary who gradually shifted the momentum of the game with his ruthless power hitting against KKR's fast-bowling unit. The second-last over proved to be very crucial as Choudhary smashed two sixes and a boundary off Cameron Green. Needing 14 runs from the last over, Choudhary launched two stunning sixes to seal the win for the Rishabh Pant-led side.
LSG's position at the points table
With this win, LSG now stands at the fifth place in the IPL 2026 points table with four points in hand after three matches at a net run-rate of -0.359.
Next challenge for LSG and KKR
The Rishabh Pant-led side will lock horns with Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans on Sunday, April 12 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Ardonamau. On the other hand, KKR will face Chennai Super Kings on April 14 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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