Mukesh Choudhary at the launch of the Junior Super Kings (JSK) inter-school T20 cricket tournament here on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Mukesh Choudhary, who travelled to Australia as a net bowler for the T20 World Cup in 2021, was the top wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2022.

But unfortunately, he suffered a setback in the form of twin injuries — a rib fracture and then a stress fracture of the back — and was even sidelined for IPL 2023.

When he did return for the 2024 season, he found it hard to get into the playing XI and was clobbered by Abhishek Sharma (SRH) for 27 runs in one over in just the one match he played.

“I was fit last year, but still I didn’t get my match practice, so I was not a hundred per cent. But CSK has shown faith in me and brought me back this year. So, I’m really happy,” he said at the launch of the Junior Super Kings (JSK) inter-school T20 cricket tournament here on Thursday.

“It’s challenging. Injury is not good. But it’s good that you start from zero, and you come to your best,” he added.

He may have been at or close to his best when he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 8.81, for Maharashtra, in the recently-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“I’m looking forward (to the upcoming IPL season). Fit and fine, raring to go,” he said.

A left-arm pacer who can swing the new ball, he said he’s hopeful of and looking forward to bowling with his friend and fellow left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed.

“Khaleel is a very good friend of mine. We have trained at MRF (Pace Foundation) together. So, we know each other really well. We haven’t played any match together. Hopefully, at IPL, we’ll do that,” he said.