LSG’s selection paradox: Silencing the season’s lone spark as Mukul Choudhary benched for Mumbai clash
Mukul Choudhary (Source: BCCI/IPL)
Published - 04 May 2026, 07:47 PM• Read time - 10 mins
Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) decision to drop Mukul Choudhary for their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede on May 4 defies logic.
Mukul has been by far the most impressive batter for Lucknow this season. Prior to the MI game, he was the fifth‑highest run‑getter for LSG, yet his average (31.2) and strike rate (145.79) eclipsed every one of the top four run scorers, all of whom bat ahead of him.
In other words, Mukul has delivered more impact from deeper in the order than those entrusted with prime batting slots. Dropping him is not just questionable; it’s paradoxical.
Leading run-getters for LSG this season
| Player | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh | 8 | 8 | 0 | 212 | 55 | 26.5 | 159 | 133.33 | 1 | 18 | 11 |
| Aiden Markram | 8 | 8 | 0 | 193 | 45 | 24.12 | 134 | 144.02 | 0 | 19 | 10 |
| Rishabh Pant | 8 | 8 | 1 | 189 | 68* | 27 | 149 | 126.84 | 1 | 18 | 6 |
| Ayush Badoni | 8 | 8 | 0 | 172 | 54 | 21.5 | 122 | 140.98 | 1 | 18 | 6 |
| Mukul Choudhary | 8 | 8 | 3 | 156 | 54* | 31.2 | 107 | 145.79 | 1 | 9 | 12 |
The numbers speak for themselves: Mukul’s efficiency and strike rate outshine those who have had better opportunities to perform.
LSG silencing their lone spark?
Lucknow have scraped together just four points in eight games. It can be argued that half of those points exist only because of Mukul. His match‑winning knock against KKR was a masterclass in finishing under pressure.
Chasing 182, LSG were 104/5, staring at defeat. With Ayush Badoni dismissed soon after, the equation was 57 needed off 32 balls with only tailenders for support. Mukul then produced arguably the finest finishing act of this IPL season, striking at 200.00 and running a bye off the last ball to seal an improbable heist at Eden Gardens.
In a cauldron of noise, with every fan backing KKR, Mukul displayed nerves of steel. Dropping the architect of that win feels like silencing the only spark in a season of shadows.
What about Justin Langer’s prophecy?
Before Mukul’s heroics, head coach Justin Langer had made a bold proclamation in training:
“In the next four months, I’m gonna turn you into the scariest No. six or seven batter in India.”
What JL said 🧿 pic.twitter.com/c7y4oI4Sgn
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 9, 2026
The video went viral, celebrated as evidence of Langer’s eye for talent. Yet LSG’s decision to bench Mukul undermines that prophecy. One cannot become the “scariest” version of himself by warming the bench. Development happens in the middle, under lights, in the crucible of pressure, not from the sidelines.
