IPL 2022: I Was Extra Focused For The MI Game - CSK Pacer Mukesh Choudhary On Overcoming Horror Start To IPL 2022 Campaign

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary has told that he was “extra focused” to do well in the IPL 2022 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) after a forgettable beginning to the season. The 25-year-old was declared the Player of the Match for getting back with figures of three for 19 in CSK’s three-wicket win. He was a totally changed bowler after that.

Choudhary was exceptionally costly in the initial IPL 2022 matches that he played and didn’t get an excessive number of wickets also. In a game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), he surrendered 52 runs in his four overs.

I Realized That I Do Belong At CSK After MI Game: Mukesh Choudhary

The left-arm pacer, notwithstanding, lifted himself and made an astounding bowling effort in the match against MI. Looking back at the memorable performance, Choudhary said in a video on CSK’s official YouTube channel:

“I was extra focused for the MI game as I wanted to give my best. I made my bowling plans and executed well and then I realized that I do belong here.”

The young pacer sent back Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan in the first over of the match and added the scalp of Dewald Brevis as well. Mumbai were restricted to 155 for seven while batting first. Chennai got home off the last ball, courtesy of a MS Dhoni cameo.

Had A Dent In Confidence After Initial Few Games: Mukesh Choudhary

Despite an unimpressive start to IPL 2022, Choudhary asserted that he always had the belief to make an impact. He did admit, though, that he was apprehensive about his chances after his initial failures. He stated:

“When I was selected, I thought there must be something about me, that’s why I got picked. But after the first two matches, I was confused about what I was doing wrong. After those games, I was not sure if I would be picked for the upcoming matches. But the coaches and management backed me.”

The young pacer finished IPL 2022 with great numbers – 16 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 26.50 and a strike rate of 17.06.

Aside from his bowling, Choudhary additionally was in the limelight for his fielding, however not for the right reasons. In one match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he wound up dropping three chances.

I Am A Good Fielder But Was Little Under Pressure: Mukesh Choudhary

Naming himself a decent fielder, the 25-year-old talked about his unfortunate fielding endeavors:

“After the first dropped catch, I was under immense pressure, which resulted in another drop. There was a lot of pressure as it was a close match but the captain backed me and guided me in those tough times. I think I am a good fielder, but under pressure we all tend to make mistakes.”

Fortunately for CSK, the dropped chances didn’t cost them, as RCB were limited to 193 for nine while pursuing 217. However, generally speaking, Chennai had a poor IPL 2022 season. They won just four of their 14 matches and ended in 9th position, with just MI behind them.

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