Who Is Akshat Raghuwanshi
Akshat Raghuwanshi is a right-handed middle-order batter from Madhya Pradesh who began his cricketing journey at just three years old under his father's guidance in Gwalior. He gained wider recognition during the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season, announcing himself with a century on debut against Meghalaya for Madhya Pradesh. He has also captained Madhya Pradesh's U-19 side in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, demonstrating leadership qualities alongside his batting prowess.
Why He's Making His IPL Debut
Raghuwanshi earned his IPL opportunity after a standout performance in the Madhya Pradesh League in 2025, where he scored 239 runs in just four matches at a strike rate of 177.04, including a 115 off 56 balls. His aggressive stroke play and ability to accelerate in the middle overs made him one of the most talked-about young batters heading into the 2026 season. Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for 2.2 crore during the auction, and he was handed his maiden cap by captain Rishabh Pant as LSG looked to address batting concerns while sitting at the bottom of the league table.
Connection to Rohit Sharma
In a fitting twist, Raghuwanshi idolizes Rohit Sharma, making his IPL debut against and in front of his idol. The Mumbai Indians captain was expected to play in this match after being absent due to a persistent hamstring injury sustained during MI's clash against RCB last month. Despite his domestic success, an IPL contract had eluded Raghuwanshi until Lucknow Super Giants offered him a platform to showcase his talent on the biggest T20 stage.
Playing Style and Notable Features
Raghuwanshi is known for his fearless approach and aggressive intent. He has developed a reputation for his audacious 'no-look' upper cut, which has become his signature shot. In T20 cricket, he has featured in seven matches, scoring 63 runs at a strike rate of 131.25, showcasing glimpses of his big-hitting ability. His List A numbers show 361 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81, but it is his attacking intent in shorter formats that has caught the attention of selectors. 
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