Xtra Time Web Desk: Chennai Super Kings uncapped Indian pacer Mukesh Chaudhary has been one of the finds of the ongoing IPL 2022 season. The fast bowler from Bhilwara district has been impressive along with the likes of Umran Malik, Mohsin Khan, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Sen.
Despite a scratchy start to the ongoing season, the left-arm pacer has consistently been the main wicket-taker for CSK. His opening spell (4-0-23-3) against Mumbai Indians on Thursday night at Wankhede stadium was simply outstanding. The 25-year-old left arm medium pacer got rid of Ishan Kishan, Daniel Sams and debutant Tristan Stubbs.
Talking about Mukesh Choudhary, he had been a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings in the last couple of seasons, before finally making it to the MS Dhoni-led side.
In IPL 2022 so far, he is the joint-highest wicket-taker for CSK alongside Dwayne Bravo, having picked up 16 wickets across 11 innings at an average and strike rate of 22.18 and 14.4 respectively. What has been most impressive about the left arm pacer is he has picked most dismissals during the Power Plays.
It hasn’t been as smooth sailing for the left-arm pacer. Born in Bhilwara district in Rajasthan Mukesh did his primary schooling at a residential school in Jaipur near his maternal grandparents’ home. His parents – father Gopal, who is into stone-crushing business and mother Prembai – had moved from Rajasthan to Darwha in the 1980s.
Mukesh’s entry into competitive cricket was also by chance. Former national selector Surendra Bhave was impressed when he watched him for the first time at 22 Yards Cricket Academy in Bavdhan. He immediately got him into the side.
Former Maharashtra wicketkeeper-batter Satyajit Satbhai helped Mukesh get admitted in Deccan Gymkhana, one of the most prestigious clubs on the local circuit. Two years after joining Deccan Gymkhana, Mukesh made his First-Class debut in November 2017, under the captaincy of Ankeet Bawane. In between, he enhanced his skills and gained a reputation with consistent performances and exposure in various tournaments.
The game changing moment in Mukesh’s career arrived when former Rajasthan Royals spinner Pravin Tambe helped him get into MRF Pace Academy. Under the watchful eyes of legendary Glenn McGrath, Choudhary blossomed into a pacer that was ready to succeed against the odds.
From being a net bowler to the main wicket taker, Mukesh Chaudhary has been persistent in breaking the IPL barrier.