When Arjun Tendulkar Predicted Mukul Choudhary’s Rise Before His Heroics vs KKR: ‘He Was Hitting Everywhere’

Long before Mukul Choudhary lit up Eden Gardens with a fearless match-winning knock against Kolkata Knight Riders, Arjun Tendulkar had already spotted something special in the youngster. What looked like a bold observation at the time now feels almost prophetic after Choudhary's stunning unbeaten fifty helped Lucknow Super Giants snatch a thrilling last-ball victory in IPL 2026.

On a night when LSG needed composure under pressure, Mukul delivered exactly that, and in doing so, he turned Arjun's early praise into a headline moment.

Arjun Tendulkar Had Already Seen Mukul Choudhary's Hitting Power

Arjun Tendulkar had earlier spoken highly of Mukul Choudhary's batting, and his words now carry even more weight after the youngster's heroic finish against KKR.

"Mukul Choudhary hits sixes really well. I was very impressed after seeing his six-hitting in the practice match. He was hitting them everywhere, one towards square leg, one towards point, one straight back past the bowler, and even an upper cut. I was very impressed watching his batting," Arjun had said.

That assessment now looks remarkably accurate. In a high-pressure IPL chase, Mukul showcased exactly the kind of range and fearless strokeplay Arjun had described, clearing the ropes at crucial moments and dismantling KKR's plans when the game was slipping away from LSG.

Mukul Choudhary's Knock Seals Last-Ball Thriller for LSG

Mukul Choudhary said his only focus during the chase was to remain at the crease till the very end, a plan that eventually helped Lucknow Super Giants pull off a dramatic last-ball win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the 15th match of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Chasing 182, LSG found themselves under pressure in the final overs. But Choudhary stayed calm and produced a sensational finish, smashing vital sixes in the closing stages, including two in the final over, to take his side over the line.

"My aim was to bat till the last and see what happens. It was only my second match. God has given me this opportunity; there can be pressure, but it is also an opportunity to make a name for myself," Choudhary said after being named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 54 off 27 balls.

It was the kind of innings that instantly elevated his profile, and it mirrored the exact qualities Arjun Tendulkar had highlighted much earlier, especially his ability to hit big shots all around the ground.

A Journey Built on Belief, Sacrifice and Big Dreams

After the match, Choudhary also opened up about his cricketing journey and the sacrifices that shaped his rise.

"My journey started when my father was not even married; he dreamed that his son would play cricket. I started at the age-group level, but there were no good academies in Sikkim. I played matches in Delhi and Gurugram, and that helped me," he said.

He also revealed that a crucial age-group innings helped people around him realise his potential.

"When I was playing against U-19 versus UP, it was a low-scoring game, and I made a contribution, so he knew then that I would make it big," he added.

Those words offered a glimpse into the hunger behind the knock, with Mukul's rise clearly driven by early ambition, family belief and years of working through limited opportunities.

Mukul's Natural Six-Hitting Game Matches Arjun's Prediction Perfectly

What stood out most in Choudhary's match-winning innings was not just the result, but the style. He attacked when it mattered most and looked completely at ease taking the aerial route.

"Even I liked the first six; I had not scored a single six in two games, so the first one was special. In my mind, I knew one out of the four balls would be in the slot, and I was just waiting for it," he said.

"From younger days, I like hitting sixes and not playing along the ground," Choudhary added.

That statement almost perfectly matched Arjun Tendulkar's earlier description of his batting. The power, range and instinct to go big were not new traits discovered on Thursday night. They were already there, noticed in practice, and then fully unleashed under the brightest lights.

LSG captain Rishabh Pant also could not hide his admiration for the youngster's performance.

"When we see him in the nets, when you see someone, you can see that. When you do it in the match, I have no words to describe it. But what a fantastic effort," Pant said.

Pant also stressed how trust from the captain and management can help young players flourish.

"One thing I make sure of is trust. As a captain and the management, having trust plays a big role. Definitely, it is the character-every match someone is putting their hand up, something is building for sure. We don't want to talk too much, but something good is cooking," he added.

With the win, LSG registered their second victory of the season after beating KKR. They will next take on Gujarat Titans on Sunday at their home venue, the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

For now, though, the bigger talking point is how Mukul Choudhary's breakout innings did more than just win LSG a match. It also proved that Arjun Tendulkar had seen the signs before the rest, identifying a fearless six-hitter in the making even before the IPL had its first real glimpse of him.