IPL 2026 Exclusive: 'Mukul Choudhary's knock just a Beginning, Kartik Sharma Up Next': Former RCB player Aniket Choudhary buoyant on Rajasthan Boys

In a thrilling IPL 2026 encounter at Eden Gardens on April 9, 21-year-old Lucknow Super Giants batter Mukul Choudhary produced a sensational unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls to script a dramatic last-ball three-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders.

A stunning knock at the Eden Gardens didn't just stun KKR, but has also announced the youngster in front of the world.

The Rajasthan youngster unleashed a whirlwind assault, smashing seven sixes and two fours, including a stunning six over deep cover off Kartik Tyagi and a flurry of big hits against Cameron Green. He powered LSG through the final overs, finishing the chase with two more sixes in the last over before a bye sealed the win. His fearless power-hitting, inspired by MS Dhoni's helicopter

shot, turned the game on its head.

"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," Mukul said after the match.

This is just the beginning for Mukul Choudhary: Rajasthan Legend Aniket Choudhary

And after his terrific knock, Rajasthan's senior pro Aniket Choudhary heaps praises on the youngster. Hailing from Sikar in Rajasthan, Mukul has battled financial insecurities, lack of infrastructure along the way, and Aniket believes the LSG youngster can play a bigger part in the coming days. While speaking with MyKhel in an Exclusive Interview, Aniket depicts Mukul's elite talent.

"Mukul's batting is exceptional. His hard work and his attitude is very good. He has always had a learning attitude. His six-hitting ability is amazing and we were in awe of his hitting arc. He is an exceptional talent and you will see more of him, this is just the beginning. "

The former RCB player was part of the Rajasthan squad with Mukul, and witnessed the lows of the youngster, when he was dropped from the Red Ball team.

"He didn't have a good Ranji Trophy and ot dropped from there. When a person goes from a lower position, his attitude and morale decline, but that was not the case for Mukul. He played superbly for the U23 team and was selected again for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the T20 format, he created records galore with his six-hitting prowess. "

Rajasthan has been a force in the emergence of top-quality players, which has been evident with a number of players from the state playing across the IPL franchises this season. After the auction, the player with the biggest focus was Kartik Sharma, who was snapped by CSK for a whopping Rs 14.2 crore. Although Kartik has made a subdued start in Chennai, Aniket believes a top knock is just a matter of time.

"You have seen Khaleel[Ahmed], Deepak[Chahar] playing regularly. Ashok Sharma has already bowled IPL's fastest ball this season. And I believe Kartik is an immensely talented player. Just wait for some time, Kartik will also play such a knock. He is just a different talent. "