India great Sunil Gavaskar was all praise for Lucknow Super Giants’ young duo Mukul Choudhary and Ayush Badoni, calling them “fearless prodigies” after their match-winning efforts in a dramatic three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Chasing 182, Lucknow Super Giants looked in control early as Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh stitched together a brisk 41-run opening stand in just four overs. However, a double strike from Vaibhav Arora turned the game on its head, removing both set batters in quick succession.
With momentum slipping, Badoni steadied the chase with a composed yet aggressive 54 off 34 balls, peppered with seven boundaries and two sixes. At the other end, Mukul Choudhary produced a stunning unbeaten 54 off just 27 deliveries to guide LSG home on the final ball.
“Unbelievable innings by this fearless prodigy, Mukul Choudhary,” Gavaskar said on JioStar. “What I love about the IPL is that every day brings a new hero. We saw David Miller play a brilliant knock recently, but he’s an established World Cup star. Here’s a youngster stepping up and finishing the game.”
Gavaskar highlighted Choudhary’s composure under pressure and his fearless shot-making, even drawing parallels with MS Dhoni after the youngster executed a trademark helicopter shot.
“He showed incredible calmness at a crucial stage, backed his hitting ability, and even turned down singles to go for the big shots. That confidence was remarkable,” he added.
The former India captain also underlined the importance of Badoni’s contribution, calling it “highly underrated.”
“Badoni’s 54 kept LSG in the hunt. He’s a complete cricketer, can bat, bowl, and field, and his maturity is showing. Even when Sunil Narine was bowling a superb spell, he held his ground and attacked the seamers brilliantly,” Gavaskar noted.
He further emphasised the role of young finishers in T20 cricket, stating that while top-order batters provide the base, it is these “fearless prodigies” who ultimately decide games.
LSG will now head back home with momentum on their side as they look for a third straight win against Gujarat Titans on Sunday.