Mukul Choudhary’s Helicopter Six Lights Up IPL Debut Run as LSG Pull Off Last-Ball Thriller vs KKR
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) found a new finisher in stunning fashion as Mukul Choudhary delivered a match-winning unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, guiding his team to a dramatic last-ball chase of 182.
The young right-hander from Rajasthan, bought for ₹2.6 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, justified the franchise’s faith with a fearless display of power-hitting under pressure. His innings featured two boundaries and seven towering sixes, several of which came at crucial moments when the game was slipping away from LSG.
A finish under pressure
Chasing 182, LSG found themselves under intense pressure in the death overs. But Mukul, in only his second IPL appearance, showed remarkable composure to keep the chase alive. He paced his innings intelligently, ensuring he remained at the crease until the very end.
His intent became clear in the final overs as he shifted gears, taking on the KKR bowling attack with clean, confident hitting. The highlight of his knock came when he finished the chase on the final ball, sealing a memorable win for the franchise.
After the match, Mukul said his focus was simple: “My aim was to bat till the last and see what happens. It was only my second match. God has given me this opportunity; there can be pressure, but it is also an opportunity to make a name for myself.”
The ‘helicopter shot’ moment
Among his seven sixes, one particular shot stole the spotlight—a sensational “helicopter shot” over long-on off pacer Vaibhav Arora. Moving across to create space, Mukul expertly converted a yorker into a powerful flick, sending the ball soaring over the boundary in a stroke reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s signature finish.
The shot immediately caught the attention of commentators, with former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis making a bold on-air remark:
“MS Dhoni, eat your heart out, the helicopter shot is back.”
The comparison to Dhoni, one of the most iconic finishers in cricket history, added further excitement to Mukul’s breakout performance.
A new finisher in the making
Beyond the highlight reel shots, Mukul’s innings stood out for his temperament. Walking into a tense situation, he absorbed pressure early before unleashing his natural hitting ability when it mattered most.
His ability to clear boundaries in the final overs, especially under high-stakes conditions, suggests LSG may have unearthed a long-term finisher capable of thriving in crunch moments.
Dream start to IPL journey
For LSG, the victory not only adds crucial points early in the season but also signals the emergence of a promising new talent in their lineup. Mukul’s blend of timing, power, and composure makes him a player to watch as the tournament progresses.
While it is still early in his IPL journey, this innings against KKR could well be remembered as the night Mukul Choudhary announced himself on the biggest stage—delivering a match-winning performance filled with flair, confidence, and a touch of MS Dhoni-inspired magic.
