IPL 2026: CSK pacer Mukesh’s silent tribute for late mother

Mukesh Choudhary

When CSK pacer Mukesh Choudhary dismissed Mumbai Indians opener Quinton de Kock at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night, it was more than just a breakthrough wicket for the fast bowler. The left-arm pacer raised his finger, then looked up to the heavens in quiet celebration. It was a gesture laden with grief and meaning.

Mukesh Choudhary's father Gopal and mother Prem Devi. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Just two days ago, on April 21, Mukesh's mother Prem Devi, 47, passed away after battling cancer at their hometown of Bhilwara in Rajasthan. "Mukesh attended his mother's funeral, and despite the grief still being raw, he rejoined the CSK squad to play [vs MI]. Mukesh's celebration was not a cricketing one this time. It was a son's tribute to his mother," Mukesh's father Gopal Choudhary told mid-day on Friday.

Mukesh's mother had spent a few weeks in Mumbai before heading back home, revealed Choudhary Sr: "My other son, Dr Rajesh [MBBS], was with his mother for most of the time when she was admitted at Mumbai's Tata Cancer Hospital for several weeks. We had taken a room on rent in the Lalbaug area to be close to her." The CSK team had worn black armbands during their match against MI as a mark of respect for Mukesh's mother.