Mukul Choudhary Shares Priceless Finishing Advice from Virat Kohli

A Lesson from the Master

In the high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League, where power-hitting often takes center stage, true wisdom sometimes comes from the quiet moments shared between legends and rising stars. Mukul Choudhary, the promising young talent from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), recently shared a transformative experience involving none other than Virat Kohli. Ahead of LSG’s final clash against the Punjab Kings on May 23, the youngster opened up about the tactical and mental guidance he received from the modern-day maestro.

Beyond the Sixes: Understanding the Art of Finishing

The encounter took place following an LSG versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 17. Despite a tough five-wicket loss for his team, Choudhary walked away with a lesson that transcended the scoreboard. Speaking in a video released by Star Sports, the 21-year-old revealed that Kohli shifted his perspective on what it truly means to be a successful batter in the current era.

Kohli’s message was direct and poignant: hitting sixes is a common commodity in modern cricket, but the ability to finish is rare. According to Choudhary, Kohli emphasized that in a game where the team faces pressure or loses quick wickets, the responsibility of the set batter is to hold one end steady. He encouraged the youngster to evolve from a mere power-hitter into a dependable anchor who can navigate the team through tense run-chases.

The KKR Blueprint

The conversation likely stemmed from Choudhary’s breakout performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on April 9. Under immense pressure, he smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 27 balls, including seven massive sixes, to clinch a last-ball thriller. Kohli specifically referenced this innings, telling Choudhary to maintain that same clarity and calm mindset. The veteran suggested that if he learns to adapt his approach when wickets fall at the other end, he has the potential to become a truly great player.

A Star in the Making

Choudhary’s rise has not gone unnoticed by the LSG leadership. Head coach Justin Langer has been vocal about the youngster’s natural power-hitting, even tipping him as a future candidate for one of India’s most dangerous finishers. While the 21-year-old has long looked up to MS Dhoni—attempting to emulate his signature calm and his iconic helicopter shot—the influence of Virat Kohli adds a new layer to his technical development.

Reflecting on the advice, Choudhary shared: “He told me that it is important to finish the game. Nowadays, everyone hits sixes in this generation. He told me that I should finish the game the way I finished the game the other day against KKR. He said anyone can hit sixes. In a match of 170-180 runs, if the wicket falls from one side, and if you learn how to anchor and keep the one side, you will become a great player.”

The Numbers and the Future

While the season has seen its share of ups and downs for the youngster, his statistics tell a story of potential. Across 9 innings, Choudhary accumulated 169 runs at a solid average of 33.80 and an impressive strike rate of 144.44. These figures suggest that while the learning curve is steep, the foundation is firm.

As the curtains close on IPL 2026, the guidance provided by Kohli serves as a roadmap for Choudhary. In a format obsessed with immediate impact, the emphasis on situational awareness and the art of finishing provides a refreshing reminder that the best batters are not just those who can strike hard, but those who possess the composure to remain until the final ball is bowled.