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In the world of high-stakes sports, we often talk about numbers, results and trophies. But every now and then a performance comes along that reminds us of the quiet, human strength behind the athlete. Mukesh Choudhary was at the center of a historic evening for Chennai Super Kings last night (April 23) at the Wankhede Stadium. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side registered a massive 105-run win against their long-time rivals, Mumbai Indians. But for Mukesh, the battle began long before the first ball. Just two days earlier, he had traveled to his hometown Bhilwara to perform the last rites of his mother Prem Devi. He returned to the team almost immediately, entering the field with a heavy heart and wearing a black armband.
In the so-called El Classico of the IPL, the battle between the two five-time champions, CSK emerged as a giant. Every CSK player entered the field wearing a black armband. This was a formal gesture in memory of Mukesh’s mother and a show of support for Mukesh, who had rejoined the squad just 24 hours after her last rites. Batting first, they hit 207/6, powered by a century from Sanju Samson, who hit 101 off just 54 balls.
Mukesh Choudhary looks at the sky after taking the wicket. 💛 pic.twitter.com/58CQ6kXDFS
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 23, 2026
However, it was the second innings that shocked the Wankhede crowd. Mukesh Choudhary drew first blood in the second over by bowling Quinton de Kock clean for 7. That early strike sparked a catastrophic collapse for Mumbai Indians, who conceded just 104 runs in 19 overs.
A monstrous CSK attack, with Akeal Hosein leading the show with 4/17, gave the visitors a much-needed win and lifted them to 5th place in the points table. Meanwhile, let’s find out more about 29-year-old Mukesh Choudhary, who caught Hardik Pandya’s delivery and dismissed him for just 1.
Who is Mukesh Choudhary?
Mukesh was born on July 6, 1996 in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. His cricketing history is one of lackluster struggles. His father, Gopal Choudhary, moved the family to Maharashtra for business reasons, where Mukesh’s professional dreams became a reality. He made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in 2017 and spent years navigating the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare circuits before the IPL spotlight finally discovered him.
He first made his mark in IPL 2022 where he led the CSK bowling attack with 16 wickets in the absence of experienced players. However, injuries and a year-long battle with a stress fracture in his back sidelined him for much of 2023 and 2024.
The team’s trust in him is unbroken. Originally auctioned for a modest ₹20 lakh in 2022, CSK brought it back for ₹30 lakh in the 2025 mega auction.
Interesting Facts About Mukesh Choudhary:
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The “Mahi” mentoring: Mukesh has often praised MS Dhoni for his career development and pointed out that the legend’s calm advice during his time as a net bowler helped him deal with the pressure on the big stage.
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Grit in rehab: Mukesh spent almost 18 months recovering from his back injury, working away from the cameras at the NCA to regain the momentum that makes him so dangerous.
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A tribute to the captain: After the win, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad dedicated the win to Mukesh and praised the incredible mental strength he needed to show up for the team in its darkest hour. “I would dedicate this win to him,” Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation.
