In an exciting turn of events, Akshat Raghuwanshi made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut against his idol, Rohit Sharma, on May 4, 2026. The match took place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant confirmed Raghuwanshi’s inclusion in the playing XI after losing the toss.
Akshat Raghuwanshi: Rising Star
Akshat Raghuwanshi was acquired by LSG for ₹2.2 crore during the previous auction. His impressive performance in the Madhya Pradesh League in 2025 caught the attention of many in the cricketing fraternity. Known for his aggressive batting style and ability to accelerate during middle overs, he emerged as a key player for LSG, particularly when the team’s batting lineup faced challenges.
Cricketing Journey
Raghuwanshi’s cricket journey began at the tender age of three in Gwalior, guided by his father. He rose through the ranks, earning recognition during the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy season. Representing the Madhya Pradesh team, he scored a century on his debut against Meghalaya and followed it with a half-century in his second match. This early success marked him as a promising talent in Indian cricket.
Domestic Success
- Captain of Madhya Pradesh U-19 team in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
- List A statistics: 361 runs in 17 innings, average 22.81.
- T20 format: 7 matches, 63 runs at a strike rate of 131.25.
- Madhya Pradesh League: 239 runs in 4 matches at a strike rate of 177.04.
- Notable inning: 115 runs off 56 balls.
Raghuwanshi is known for his audacious “no-look” upper cut, a shot that has become his signature. His fearless approach at the crease has made him a player to watch in the future.
Match Insights
During the same match, LSG made additional changes, bringing in Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who scored 13 runs off five balls. However, his performance was cut short as he was caught off the bowling of AM Ghazanfar. The match served as an ideal platform for Raghuwanshi to shine and demonstrate his potential on a prestigious stage.
With such a promising start to his IPL career, Akshat Raghuwanshi’s journey is certainly one to follow as he continues to develop his skills in one of cricket’s most competitive arenas.
