Kolkata: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant was full of praise for young finisher Mukul Choudhary after his sensational knock powered LSG to a thrilling last-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.

Pant left in awe

Pant admitted he was short of words while describing Mukul’s performance, calling it a “fantastic effort” under pressure.

The 22-year-old played a stunning unbeaten innings of 54 off 27 balls, smashing two fours and seven sixes to pull off an unlikely chase of 182.

Pant also highlighted the importance of trust within the team, stating that belief in players can lead to extraordinary performances.

Rescue act under pressure

LSG were struggling at 104/5 in 12.5 overs when Mukul walked in, with the match slipping away quickly.

However, the youngster showed remarkable composure and power-hitting ability, taking the game deep before finishing it in style on the final ball.

Support from Badoni

Pant also reserved special praise for Ayush Badoni, who scored a crucial 54 off 34 balls in the middle overs.

He described Badoni as a “senior pro” in the side and emphasised the importance of such contributions in stabilising the innings.

KKR skipper reacts

On the other side, Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the heartbreak of defeat but credited Mukul for his match-defining knock.

Rahane noted that while KKR executed well for most parts, the final overs proved decisive, with Mukul’s fearless hitting turning the game around.

A defining moment

Rahane admitted that defending totals in such high-pressure situations can be challenging, especially when opposition batters adopt an all-out attacking approach.

Despite the loss, he praised his team’s effort and recognised Mukul’s innings as the difference-maker.

Conclusion

Mukul Choudhary’s breathtaking knock not only earned high praise from his captain but also respect from the opposition. As IPL 2026 unfolds, the young finisher is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting talents to watch.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)