Akshat Raghuwanshi smashes first-ball six on IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants

Key facts

• Akshat Raghuwanshi made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on May 4, 2026.
• He smashed the first ball he faced, from Will Jacks, for a six over long-on.
• Raghuwanshi scored 11 runs off 7 balls before being caught and bowled by Raghu Sharma.
• LSG captain Rishabh Pant confirmed Raghuwanshi's debut at the toss, along with Josh Inglis replacing Mukul.
• Raghuwanshi was purchased for INR 2.2 crore in the 2025 mini auction.
• He scored 239 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 177.04 in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh League.
• He made a century on his First-Class debut against Meghalaya in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season.
• Raghuwanshi idolizes Rohit Sharma and made his debut against his idol's team at Wankhede.

A debut to remember

Akshat Raghuwanshi walked out to bat in the 11th over of Lucknow Super Giants' innings against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, facing his first ball in the Indian Premier League. The 22-year-old right-hander cleared his front leg and launched Will Jacks' delivery over long-on for a six, drawing roars from the crowd. He added five more runs before being caught and bowled by Raghu Sharma, departing for 11 off seven balls. Raghuwanshi's brief but explosive cameo provided a glimpse of the power-hitting that had made him one of the most sought-after young batters in domestic cricket. His debut came at a critical juncture for Lucknow Super Giants, who are languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.

LSG's strategic gamble

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant announced three changes at the toss: Josh Inglis replaced Mukul, Raghuwanshi was handed his maiden cap, and a third change would be decided during the second innings. The decision to blood the uncapped Madhya Pradesh batter reflected the franchise's need to address a batting lineup that has struggled for consistency this season. Pant stated, "We have three changes. Josh Inglis comes in, Mukul goes out, and Raghuwanshi is making his debut. Bowling we will decide later." The inclusion of Inglis, who scored 13 off five balls before being dismissed by AM Ghazanfar, also underscored LSG's intent to shake up their combination.

From Gwalior to the Wankhede stage

Raghuwanshi began playing cricket at the age of three under his father's guidance in Gwalior. He progressed through age-group cricket and captained Madhya Pradesh's Under-19 side in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. His breakthrough came during the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season when he scored a century on First-Class debut against Meghalaya, followed by a half-century in his second match. Former Madhya Pradesh and Kolkata Knight Riders coach Chandrakant Pandit recalled umpiring a practice match when Raghuwanshi was 17. "The first ball struck his pads while I was the umpire. I called it not out, but it was out," Pandit told Sportstar. "He went on to score 165. And I was impressed instantly, so we discussed with the selection committee, and I told them this was the time to draft him onto the next level."

Numbers that earned a shot

Raghuwanshi's domestic T20 record is modest — 63 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 131.25 — but his performances in the Madhya Pradesh League in 2025 turned heads. He amassed 239 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 177.04, including a 115 off 56 balls. His List A numbers stand at 361 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81. Despite these figures, IPL franchises overlooked him until Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for INR 2.2 crore at the 2025 mini auction. His aggressive stroke play and signature "no-look" upper cut have drawn comparisons to established stars, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Venkatesh Iyer saying, "At 21, I haven't seen a more talented player. Big things are waiting for him in the future."

Idolising Rohit, debuting against him

Raghuwanshi has long idolised India captain Rohit Sharma, making his debut at Wankhede — Rohit's home ground — a fitting narrative twist. The young batter faced his idol's team and played his first IPL innings in front of the man he admires. "He is a fan of Rohit Sharma," sources close to the player have noted, and the debut provided a symbolic passing of the torch. However, Raghuwanshi's innings was cut short by a sharp caught-and-bowled chance off Raghu Sharma, ending his debut at 11 runs. Despite the early dismissal, the first-ball six ensured his name would be remembered in IPL debut lore.

What lies ahead for LSG and Raghuwanshi

Lucknow Super Giants remain rooted to the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings, with batting woes persisting despite the injection of fresh talent. Raghuwanshi's brief innings offered a spark but did not alter the team's immediate fortunes. The franchise will hope that his fearless approach can be harnessed in the remaining matches to revive their campaign. For Raghuwanshi, the debut marks the beginning of what many expect to be a long IPL career. His ability to handle pressure and clear the boundaries with ease has already drawn praise from peers and coaches. The question now is whether he can convert cameos into substantial scores as he gains experience at the highest level.

The bottom line

• Akshat Raghuwanshi hit a six off his first IPL ball, becoming only the latest player to achieve the feat on debut.
• He was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2.2 crore after a standout Madhya Pradesh League season in 2025.
• Raghuwanshi scored a century on First-Class debut and has captained Madhya Pradesh at Under-19 level.
• His debut came against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede, the home ground of his idol Rohit Sharma.
• LSG made three changes for the match, including the debut of Raghuwanshi and the return of Josh Inglis.
• The 22-year-old's aggressive batting style, including a signature no-look upper cut, marks him as a future star in T20 cricket.