"Entire India will remember Mukul Choudhary's name for a long time": Umesh Yadav's bold claim

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for creating heroes, and Thursday (April 9) was not different, as the world’s biggest franchise tournament has not just found a hero but a brand-new superstar in the form of Mukul Choudhary at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The young Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary delivered a breathtaking and fearless performance under pressure that left everyone stunned. The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and India pacer Umesh Yadav was among them.

Mukul Choudhary’s fearless knock leaves Umesh Yadav stunned

Umesh Yadav was full of admiration for Mukul Choudhary after the LSG star destroyed KKR’s hopes in the thrilling IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens. Everyone believed KKR had the game wrapped up when LSG slipped to 128/7, but the right-handed batter had a different plan to spoil the party.

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The 21-year-old smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls to take LSG over the line on the last ball. Praising his “exceptional knock," Umesh said that Eden Gardens will not forget Mukul’s name for a long time. He noted that the youngster showed a maturity far beyond his age.

Entire India will remember Mukul Choudhary’s name for a long time: Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav said on JioHotStar: “It seemed like KKR were on top in the game. The batting Mukul Choudhary showed, he said nothing is impossible, and he showed it by doing it. Such an exceptional knock and in such a situation; remember this name for sure. Entire India will remember his name for a long time. The way he batted was praiseworthy.”

The former RCB star added, “He showed maturity. The performance he has done in domestic cricket, he came with that confidence and attitude that he would finish the game. In today's cricket, you need that confidence the most. LSG showed that confidence in him.”

Umesh impressed by Mukul's confidence and smart game

Meanwhile, Umesh was really impressed with the fact that Mukul had no recognized batting partner with him in the end, yet he pulled off the sensational chase single-handedly in Kolkata. The former KKR bowler said, “He showed the focus and confidence that he would finish the game.”

Ayush Badoni was already back in the pavilion. Mohammed Shami could play only a few balls. In the final overs, Mukul and the fast bowler Avesh Khan were there. Under such immense pressure, the youngster didn’t lose hope and get panicked but led the chase like the commander.

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Avesh barely faced three balls in almost five overs, as Mukul took the entire responsibility for the chase, and Umesh was left awestruck by the way he took singles and kept telling Avesh to simply survive at the other end and take the calculated risk.

'New superstar was born today'

Umesh Yadav feels this match could become the turning point of Mukul’s career and urged the LSG to keep playing this talent regularly in the ongoing IPL 2026. His composure, cricketing intelligence, bold stroke play, and ability to handle pressure left Umesh amazed for Mukul.

Yadav signed off by saying, “Another superstar and finisher is on his path for LSG. He will do even better as he keeps playing because in T20s, when you do well in one match, with that confidence and experience, you know what you need to do going ahead. The way he batted, a new superstar was born today (Thursday).”