IPL 2026: Mukul Chaudhary Predicts Playoffs Qualifiers, Makes BIG Claim About Lucknow Super Giants

New Delhi: On Thursday (April 9), a new superstar emerged during the 15th match of IPL 2026. In the contest between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Kolkata Knight Riders, Mukul Chaudhary single-handedly steered Rishabh Pant's team—which at one point appeared to be heading for defeat—to victory. Mukul Chaudhary unleashed a veritable barrage of sixes in this match.

Batting aggressively, Chaudhary smashed 7 sixes and 2 fours to score 54 runs off just 27 balls at a blistering strike rate of 200, playing a pivotal role in securing the win for his team. Powered by Chaudhary's heroics, the Lucknow Super Giants successfully chased down the target of 182 runs set by KKR, reaching the mark on the very last ball of the innings while losing 7 wickets.

What was Mukul Chaudhary's prediction for IPL 2026 playoffs?

After single-handedly winning this match, Mukul Chaudhary has become the talk of the town. Following his acquisition in the IPL 2026 auction, he gave an interview in which he was asked to predict which four teams would qualify for the playoffs this year. In response, Mukul Chaudhary named four teams, including the Lucknow Super Giants. His predictions also included the formidable Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Mukul also expressed confidence in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad. Regarding the "Yellow Army"—which finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025—Mukul stated that this team, too, has the potential to qualify for the playoffs in the current IPL season. He also identified the Mumbai Indians and the Sunrisers Hyderabad as strong contenders for a spot in the top four.

What about LSG's chances?

During an appearance on Shubhankhar Mishra's podcast, Mukul Chaudhary was asked to predict which four teams would qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2026. In response, he named RCB, LSG, and CSK as three of the four teams that will reach the IPL 2026 playoffs, with either Mumbai Indians (MI) or Hyderabad (SRH) as the fourth team option. He stated, "RCB—okay; and as for us, LSG—we *will* qualify."

When asked if he felt angry upon hearing many experts claim that the Lucknow team was too new to qualify, he replied in clear terms: "Why get angry at such critics? If we possess the capability—and we do—we will prove it through our performance and prove them wrong."

Mukul remarked, "It’s not about anger; the response shouldn't be given through anger, but through action." Continuing with his predictions, he added, "RCB, LSG, CSK—and I feel the fourth team could be either MI or Hyderabad."