Former India captain Virat Kohli mentored Lucknow Super Giants rookie Mukul Choudhary during the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
Kohli advised the young batter that mastering the art of finishing matches under pressure defines true greatness.
Choudhary disclosed that the veteran batsman had closely monitored his performances in the tournament.
Kohli specifically highlighted Choudhary's match-winning performance against the Kolkata Knight Riders before sharing insights on modern batting requirements.
"Anyone can hit sixes, but finishing is rare," said Choudhary, quoting Kohli.
According to Choudhary, Kohli explained that boundary-clearing power is common among modern young players, but consistent finishing remains a rare skill.
Kohli emphasized that navigating tense run chases amid rising required run rates and falling wickets serves as the ultimate test of composure.
The mentoring session focused significantly on psychological fortitude during critical moments of a match.
Kohli asserted that executing big shots without pressure is uncomplicated, whereas delivering when stakes are high differentiates elite athletes.
"Big player," Kohli said.
The veteran batsman motivated Choudhary to remain composed during critical junctures, regulate the innings tempo, and successfully guide his team to victory.
Choudhary acknowledged that the discussion deeply impacted his mindset and altered his approach to batting.
The young batsman has demonstrated finishing capabilities during his debut tournament appearance.
Choudhary has accumulated 169 runs at an average of 33.80 across nine matches, delivering multiple impactful cameos for his franchise.
His primary performance occurred during a fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he executed an unbeaten 54 to secure a victory for the Lucknow Super Giants.
The performance illustrated his capability to manage high-pressure situations and execute calculated shots.
Despite the individual development of Choudhary, the Lucknow Super Giants have experienced a difficult tournament and are mathematically eliminated from the playoff selections.
The team will play its final league match against the Punjab Kings, aiming to avoid a bottom-table finish.
The upcoming fixture remains highly critical for the Punjab Kings, who currently occupy the fifth position in the tournament standings.
The team requires a victory to maintain its postseason aspirations, setting up a high-stakes encounter for both franchises.
