Mukul’s innings, highlighted by seven sixes, even featured a helicopter shot, a signature move of Dhoni. After his match-winning performance, Mukul remarked, “I used to watch how MS Dhoni would finish games”. “I always admired Dhoni’s shot, the way he would seal the deal. If you can hit that ball for six, the bowler really has to ponder his next move. That’s why I practice it,” he stated.
Mukul also expressed gratitude towards his captain and a pivotal conversation with Rishabh Pant that helped him gain clarity before the match. “A couple of years ago, I would rush my innings, but now I’ve focused on playing long, taking the game deep and clinching the win. In the last two matches, I played only four or five balls without getting out, but I couldn’t find the right hits.”
That mental clarity was strengthened by the confidence shown by head coach Justin Langer and the LSG team. “When a respected coach makes such remarks about you, he’s definitely recognized something special. They placed their trust in me, so it was my responsibility to deliver. He would work with me individually for 10-20 minutes every day.”
“I bat in the same position. Dhoni inspired me early in my career, and I finished the game, dedicating it to him.” “This being my first season, there’s pressure even in practice games. They have immense belief in me; since they’ve signed me, I need to earn my place in the playing XI and perform well.”
“Only by excelling in domestic cricket do you reach this level. That pressure remains. But it offers an opportunity: if you perform well here, you can carve out your own identity. I concentrate on that rather than the pressure, which lingers for a few balls, so I take a deep breath. Regardless of whether it’s someone’s 15th or 50th match, these situations bring pressure. You must divert your attention and have faith in yourself. I’m continually learning that,” he concluded.
