IPL 2026: Justin Langer Lauds Mukul Choudhary's Athletic Prowess, Compares to Virat Kohli

Key Takeaways

Mukul Choudhary demonstrates elite athleticism on the field.

Justin Langer draws comparisons between Mukul and Virat Kohli .

Mukul's recent performance includes an impressive 54 runs off 27 balls.

Team morale is boosted by close match victories, as mentioned by Langer.

Analyst Shrinivas Chandrashekaran was key in recognizing Mukul’s potential.

New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) Justin Langer, head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has praised the young cricket talent Mukul Choudhary, referring to him as a remarkable athlete with a keen intellect. He likened Mukul's exceptional ability to run between the wickets to that of the iconic Virat Kohli.

Choudhary's outstanding performance, where he scored an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, featuring an impressive seven sixes and two fours against KKR, has drawn significant attention. “What I appreciate the most is that he is truly an athlete, and his running between the wickets is on an elite level. It mirrors how Virat executes his runs, but Mukul's game awareness sets him apart,” Langer remarked.

“During our practice matches, his discussions about the game reflect a player who has experienced 300 matches. He possesses immense power, is a fantastic athlete, and exhibits a sharp intellect. His curiosity to improve is commendable; he dedicated time to enhance his short ball skills. We have been conducting drills with him daily, and it showed in both practice and matches,” Langer stated during an interview on JioHotstar.

He also credited their team analyst, Shrinivas Chandrashekaran, for identifying Choudhary's potential. “We noticed him at a training camp a few months back. There’s a wealth of talent in this country, and I owe a big thanks to Shrinivas, our data analyst, who insisted, ‘Coach, we must sign this kid.’

When asked about his mindset as LSG needed 54 runs from the last 24 balls, Langer reflected, “I was contemplating what to communicate to our players. Our bowling was superb on this pitch; we excelled.”

“I had noted that down, and regardless of the outcome, our bowling was excellent, and our fielding was top-notch as well. I was genuinely pleased with that, and we emphasized taking ownership, with a 22-year-old stepping up; it was a remarkable display,” he added.

Langer believes that achieving such a feat early in the tournament serves as a morale booster for the team. “Winning closely contested matches instills confidence, doesn’t it? Whether it’s with bat or ball, these narrow victories act as a magical tonic. It’s a confidence booster we relish at the start of the season, and we still have much more to offer in our game,” he concluded.

Point of View

I observe the rising talents in cricket with great interest. Mukul Choudhary's performance not only exemplifies individual brilliance but also highlights the depth of cricketing talent in our country. His journey could inspire many young athletes aspiring to make their mark.

NationPress

20 Jun 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mukul Choudhary?

Mukul Choudhary is a promising young cricketer playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, known for his exceptional batting skills and athleticism.

What did Justin Langer say about Mukul?

Justin Langer praised Mukul Choudhary as a 'great athlete' with a 'sharp brain', comparing his running between the wickets to that of Virat Kohli.

What was Mukul's performance against KKR?

Mukul Choudhary scored an unbeaten 54 runs off 27 balls, including seven sixes and two fours, leading his team to victory against KKR.

How does Langer view close match wins?

Langer believes that winning closely contested matches boosts team morale and instills confidence, serving as a 'magic tonic' for the players.

Who helped identify Mukul's potential?

Team analyst Shrinivas Chandrashekaran played a crucial role in identifying Mukul's talent during a training camp.