'MS Dhoni has been my role model, love his helicopter shot' - LSG's new batting sensation Mukul Choudhary

Published - 10 Apr 2026, 10:21 IST | Updated - 10 Apr 2026, 10:51 IST

In the back end of the Kolkata Knight Riders' clash against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 9, Mukul Choudhary played a blinder of a knock to take the visiting side home.

Chasing a 182-run target on a tricky surface, Lucknow were staring down the barrel at 128/7 at the end of the 16th over. Choudhary had to do the bulk of the scoring, with Avesh Khan at the other end giving him company. 54 runs were needed off the last four overs, and Choudhary had faced only six balls by then.

However, he showcased his brilliance with the bat in the overs that followed, amassing an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls to take his team to victory. He hit two fours and seven sixes during his epic knock.

After his heroic effort, Star Sports shared a video on social media where Choudhary speaks about his fondness for the legendary MS Dhoni. He also shares his admiration for the helicopter shot, made famous by the former India captain. Choudhary himself hit a helicopter shot in the 17th over that cleared long-on with ease.

"I have always seen MS Dhoni because I was a keeper. I am a keeper. So I have grown up seeing him, the helicopter shot he plays. The 2011 World Cup always keeps playing (in my head). I remember everything," the 21-year-old batter said.

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Choudhary added that he wants to be a finisher like Dhoni as he considers the Chennai Super Kings' stalwart as his role model.

"He has been my role model. I am also a finisher; I want to be like him and finish games like him. So he is my role model," the Rajasthan batter said.

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Lucknow eventually won the match off the last ball after Choudhary and Avesh sneaked in a bye. This was the second win in a row for Rishabh Pant's men. However, the Knight Riders continue to be winless in IPL 2026 after four games.