Inspired by how Dhoni finished games: Mukul Choudhary

Inspired by his idol MS Dhoni, Mukul Choudhary repaid the faith shown by Lucknow Super Giants to become their unlikely hero against Kolkata Knight Riders. His 54 off 27 balls, including twelve runs in the final over, secured a thrilling victory at Eden Gardens.

Speaking post-match, Choudhary revealed how captain Rishabh Pant and coach Justin Langer instilled belief in him ahead of the nervy chase. Playing just his third IPL game, he admitted to overthinking, but a conversation with Pant helped settle his nerves.

"Pant told me, 'Why are you thinking so much? Don't. Just follow the process you have been working on. See the ball and hit it. We have belief in you, now have that in yourself,'" Choudhary recounted.

Before the season, head coach Justin Langer stated his intention to develop Choudhary into "the scariest No.6-7 batter in India." Reflecting on that, Choudhary said, "If such a renowned coach says that about you, he has definitely seen something. They showed faith in me, so it was on me to repay it."

His innings featured seven sixes, including a helicopter shot reminiscent of MS Dhoni. "I always liked that shot, the way he would finish games. It's a good ball to hit for six. That's why I practice it," he explained. He dedicated the knock to Dhoni and his father, who envisioned his cricket career from an early age.

Choudhary credits his power-hitting to consistent practice. "I practice hitting 100 to 150 sixes daily. For the last 5-6 months specifically, I have been working a lot on it, so it's now developed."

He acknowledged the inherent pressure of his debut season but focuses on the opportunity. "Only when you do well in domestic cricket do you reach here. That pressure continues. But it gives you a chance: if you do well here, you'll make your distinct name and identity."

He drew confidence from a similar situation four months ago in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he chased 25 runs in the final over for Rajasthan against Delhi. "I faced a similar situation… This had happened to me before, so I had belief in myself today as well that if I stay put, I will be able to hit it at the end."