Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on Mukul Chouhdary after LSG clinched a thrilling three wicket-win win against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday. Pathan said Choudhary brought back memories of MS Dhoni as he finished the game in style.
Chasing 182 for the win, LSG were under the cosh at 128-7 but Choudhary single handedly delivered the goods for the team. The 21-year-old scored 54 runs off just 27 balls with the help of two fours and seven sixes. The youngster scored his runs at a strike rate of 200 and got his team over the finishing line.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Lucknow were 128/7. They needed 54 runs in 24 balls, and at that point, he was batting on just two runs from six balls, under pressure, with wickets falling around him. Then what happened? He alone made sure those runs were chased down. Avesh Khan faced only three deliveries, while Mukul took complete responsibility for scoring and even facing the majority of the balls. He hit seven sixes and even a helicopter shot came out, bringing back memories of MS Dhoni. It was an incredible display of power and game awareness.”
Pathan highlighted that IPL always delivers a new star and Choudhary played the best knock of his career at the top stage.
“Year after year, this league always brings a new player, a new star who grabs everyone’s attention with his brilliance. This year, a 21-year-old player from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan has done exactly that. His name is Mukul Choudhary. This name will surely be remembered because he played the biggest role in helping Lucknow secure the win. He played a brilliant innings, the best of his career so far.”
The former swing bowler also praised Ayush Badoni, who scored 54 runs off 34 balls to keep LSG in the contest when the top order failed to deliver.
“Overall, this innings by Mukul Choudhary whom I had mentioned before the season to keep an eye on shows why teams will back him going forward. Himmat Singh is sitting out, other players are on the bench, but this youngster has been given a chance and he has won the match. Ayush Badoni also played a very good half-century, but his effort was overshadowed. Still, he would be happy because ultimately the team won thanks to this young Mukul Choudhary’s outstanding batting.”
LSG will next take on the Gujarat Titans at Lucknow on Sunday.
