IPL 2026, KKR vs LSG: Right after the T20 World Cup, attendance across most Indian Premier League (IPL) venues - barring Bengaluru and Mumbai - has been noticeably underwhelming, with several stadiums only half-filled.
Take Kolkata's Eden Gardens, for instance on Thursday (April 9). The iconic venue in Kolkata witnessed a story of its own - one that led to the emergence of a new star in Indian cricket, .
Those within the camp were always confident about Mukul, knowing from the outset that he is a dangerous batter. The way he snatched the game away from Kolkata Knight Riders, almost from the jaws of defeat, was a clear indication of why his teammates and the coaching staff had backed him to deliver something special - including veteran coach Tom
Moody. In truth, Mukul's match-winning knock stunned everyone - except those inside the LSG camp.
Fans are already being entertained by the raw flair of stars like Abhishek Sharma and promising newcomers such as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But to produce a match-winning knock like Mukul did on Thursday evening - finishing the game in such commanding fashion - is truly a rare sight.
It is often said that stars are born when they are promoted up the order. Mukul, however, has made a compelling statement, challenging the notion that players are only made at the top.
Mapped to perfection 😎
- IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2026
Mukul Choudhary's night to remember 👏👏
Relive his knock ▶️ https://t.co/BBfJfN7tYX #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #KKRvLSG | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/fStyb8UNlG
In other words, the young Rajasthan cricketer was simply ruthless, treating a below-par KKR bowling attack like club-level opposition while playing all around the park. He kept clearing the ropes with utmost ease and looked in a tearing hurry to wrap up the chase. And that helicopter shot against Vaibhav Arora, which flew over long-off, was shot of the tournament so far!
Faced with a stiff task, the right-handed batter - playing just his second game under the lights in his own admission after the match - had to take it right down to the final ball. Even after missing the last delivery of a gripping thriller, he had already done enough to carry his team over the line.
Who says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the only batter with deadly bat speed? Mukul Choudhary - remember the name - has it too - and he put it on full display in the City of Joy.
