New Delhi: Virat Kohli has shared valuable advice with young Mukul Choudhary, emphasising that the true mark of a great batter lies not in hitting sixes, but in finishing matches under pressure.
The interaction came during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, where Choudhary has emerged as a promising performer for Lucknow Super Giants.
“Anyone can hit sixes, but finishing is rare”
Choudhary revealed that Kohli had closely followed his performances, particularly a match-winning knock against Kolkata Knight Riders. During their conversation, Kohli highlighted a key distinction in modern cricket.
According to Choudhary, Kohli told him that hitting sixes is no longer a unique skill, as many young players today possess the power to clear boundaries with ease. However, what truly separates top players from the rest is the ability to finish games consistently.
Kohli stressed that the real challenge arises during tense run chases — especially when the required run rate climbs and wickets fall at the other end. In such situations, maintaining composure and controlling the innings becomes crucial.
Handling pressure defines greatness
Kohli’s advice focused heavily on mental strength. He pointed out that hitting big shots without pressure is relatively easy, but performing when the stakes are high is what defines a “big player.”
The former India captain encouraged Choudhary to stay calm in crunch moments, manage the tempo of the innings, and guide his team across the finish line. According to Kohli, mastering this aspect of the game is rare and requires discipline, awareness, and experience.
Choudhary admitted that the conversation left a strong impact on him and reshaped his approach to batting.
Choudhary’s impressive debut season
The young batter has already shown glimpses of this finishing ability in IPL 2026. In nine matches, Choudhary has scored 169 runs at an average of 33.80, delivering several impactful cameos.
His standout performance came against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he scored an unbeaten 54 to steer Lucknow Super Giants to victory. The innings showcased his ability to handle pressure and execute calculated shots when it mattered most.
LSG’s campaign and upcoming match
While Choudhary’s individual performances have been encouraging, Lucknow Super Giants have had a disappointing season overall and are already out of playoff contention.
They are set to play their final league match against Punjab Kings, aiming to finish their campaign on a positive note and avoid ending near the bottom of the table.
For Punjab Kings, however, the match carries significant importance. Positioned fifth, they must secure a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, making it a high-pressure encounter for one side and a pride battle for the other.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s advice once again underlines his deep understanding of the game. In an era dominated by power-hitting, his emphasis on finishing skills highlights the importance of temperament and match awareness.
For Mukul Choudhary, the guidance could prove pivotal in shaping his career. If he continues to build on this mindset, he may well evolve into one of the dependable finishers in Indian cricket — a role that remains one of the most challenging and valuable in the modern game.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)