NEW DELHI: A viral video of head coach Justin Langer declaring that he would make Mukul Choudhary “India’s scariest number 6 or 7 batsman” has taken center stage after the youngster’s impressive match-winning knock for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
The video, shared by LSG after their dramatic win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, shows Langer prophetically telling Mukul during a training session: “In the next four months, I will make you India’s scariest number 6 or 7 batsman.”
Following Mukul’s heroic acts, the clip went viral on social media.
LOOK:
Prophecy fulfilled in a dramatic wayChasing 182, LSG were in deep trouble at 128/7 in 16 overs. What followed was an impressive display of power from Mukul, playing in just his third IPL match.
The 21-year-old smashed seven sixes in an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, scoring 52 runs off his last 19 deliveries to record a remarkable three-wicket win off the last ball. Their fearless approach turned an almost certain defeat into one of the most memorable chases of the season.
“My plan was to play until the end. I believe in myself so much that if I stay I could take the team home,” Mukul said after being named Man of the Match. “There is pressure, but I focus on the opportunity, not the pressure.”
A journey marked by faith and sacrifice
Mukul’s rise has been anything but conventional. Hailing from Jhunjhunu, he started playing cricket only when he was 12 or 13 due to his limited resources. Training at an academy in Sikar before moving to Jaipur, he then honed his T20 skills in Gurugram to adapt to the fast-paced format.
Advertisement
130160715
“My journey started even before I was born. My father dreamed that his son would play cricket,” he said. “If the ball enters my area, I hit it. That’s how I’ve always played.”
His aggressive mindset was evident in the final over, where he waited patiently for the right ball. “Even if the pitcher threw four perfect balls, I knew one would go into my zone,” he added.