That chance came when Mukul was sent to a cricket academy in Sikar. Back then, he was a medium-fast bowler, focused on making a mark with the ball. Batting was not the plan.

But one day, the team needed a wicketkeeper. Mukul stepped in. It was a small moment at the time, but it slowly changed the course of his journey. He began to spend more time with the bat, and people around him started noticing something different.

With his height and natural strength, Mukul had the ability to hit the ball a long way. His coaches worked with him on the basics – how to stand, how to swing, how to find the right connection. Over time, he developed into a clean hitter, someone who could change a game quickly.

The journey, though, was not smooth.

Living away from home wasn’t easy, especially when a skin allergy made hostel life uncomfortable. His family stepped in again, renting a place nearby so he could continue training without worrying about his health. It was a simple decision, but an important one.

As his game improved, Mukul moved to Jaipur to train at the Aravalli Cricket Academy, where he got better exposure and competition. It was a big step, but also a tough one. Once again, his family made it easier – his mother and younger sister moved with him so he wouldn’t feel alone. Slowly, things began to fall into place.

Recognition at the junior level led to bigger opportunities, and eventually, his name came up at the IPL auction. Lucknow Super Giants picked him for Rs 2.60 crore, a moment that made all the years of effort feel worth it. And then came Eden Gardens.

The shots he played on Thursday were confident and audacious, but they also carried a story – of a father who backed him, a family that stood by him, and a journey that took its own unexpected turns.