Lucknow Super Giants batter Mukul Choudhary has revealed a candid conversation with Virat Kohli during IPL 2026, in which the former India captain urged the youngster to prioritise the craft of finishing matches over the spectacle of hitting sixes. The interaction came after Mukul's match-winning performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where his composed strokeplay sealed a tense chase for LSG.

What Kohli Told the Young Batter

According to Mukul, Kohli had closely watched the LSG versus KKR contest and was direct in his assessment. 'He told me that he had watched our match against KKR and seen how I finished the game. He said that hitting sixes is not a big deal anymore. Every young batter in this generation can clear the ropes. But what really matters is learning how to finish matches,' Mukul said in an interview to JioStar.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart reportedly stressed that power-hitting alone is no longer a differentiator in modern T20 cricket, given how many young players are now capable of clearing boundaries with ease.

The Real Test: Pressure Chases

Kohli, as recalled by Mukul, drew a sharp distinction between hitting sixes in comfortable situations versus performing when the game is on the line. 'Anyone can hit a six when there's no pressure. But in chases of 170 or 180, when wickets are falling at the other end and the required rate is climbing, that is when the real test begins,' the youngster quoted Kohli as saying.

This philosophy mirrors Kohli's own celebrated reputation as one of cricket's finest chase-masters, having built a career on delivering in precisely those high-stakes moments.

Staying Calm to Become a Big Player

Mukul said Kohli's core message was about composure and innings management. 'If you learn to handle that pressure, stay calm, and control the innings, that is what makes you a big player. Finishing games consistently is a rare skill,' he quoted Kohli as advising.

The LSG batter acknowledged the lasting impact of the exchange: 'He told me to focus on that, not just on hitting big shots. That advice really stuck with me.'

Mukul's Rise in IPL 2026

The conversation underscores the growing attention Mukul Choudhary has attracted this season. His fearless batting and ability to stay calm under pressure have drawn praise, and an endorsement — even informal — from Virat Kohli carries significant weight in Indian cricket circles. Notably, such mentorship moments between established stars and emerging talent have increasingly shaped careers in the IPL era.

With IPL 2026 still ongoing, all eyes will be on whether Mukul can continue to translate Kohli's advice into consistent match-finishing performances for Lucknow Super Giants.