IPL 2026 | From mother's last rites to CSK's thumping win: Mukesh Choudhary bowls through pain
Mukesh Choudhary displayed immense courage. He played for his team Chennai Super Kings just a day after his mother's passing. He performed her last rites and then rejoined the squad.
Choudhary took a wicket in his first over. He dedicated this moment to his mother. Chennai Super Kings secured a dominant victory over Mumbai Indians.
NEW DELHI: When Mukesh Choudhary rattled Quinton de Kock’s stumps, there was no exultation, no pumped-up reaction, no leap in the air. No visible celebrations followed, no loud gestures either. Instead, he stood still in the middle of the ground, looked up at the sky and pointed his finger upwards, quietly saying, 'Maa, ye tere liye hai'.
It was a silent tribute from a son who was playing through deep personal pain, having performed his mother’s last rites in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, and rejoined his team duties the very next day. Mukesh’s mother had passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with illness. Despite the personal loss, Mukesh rejoined the CSK squad ahead of the Mumbai Indians clash and was included in the playing XI, placing commitment above everything else.
Not only did he return to the team environment, but he also found himself in the Playing XI. Mukesh, known for his calm and composed demeanour, remained quiet as ever. Dressed in yellow, he walked out to the middle just as he has done in previous matches, showing no outward sign of grief.