Akshat Raghuwanshi smashes six off first ball on IPL debut for LSG against idol Rohit Sharma's MI

Key facts

• Akshat Raghuwanshi, 22, made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants on May 4, 2026, against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.
• He hit a six off the first ball he faced, from Will Jacks, before being dismissed for 11 off 7 balls by Raghu Sharma.
• LSG captain Rishabh Pant confirmed three changes: Raghuwanshi in, Josh Inglis in for Mukul, and a third change to be decided later.
• Raghuwanshi was bought for INR 2.2 crore at the 2025 auction after scoring 239 runs in four Madhya Pradesh League matches at a strike rate of 177.04.
• He scored a century on his first-class debut against Meghalaya in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season and a half-century in his second match.
• Raghuwanshi idolises Rohit Sharma, against whom he made his debut; LSG are 10th in the standings.
• Josh Inglis, returning from personal leave, scored 13 off 5 balls before being caught off AM Ghazanfar.

A debut to remember

Akshat Raghuwanshi walked out to bat for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday and smashed the first ball he faced for a six over long-on off Will Jacks. The 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, making his Indian Premier League debut, scored 11 runs from seven deliveries before Raghu Sharma dismissed him. His brief but explosive innings came in front of his idol, Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians captain.

LSG's bold changes amid relegation battle

LSG captain Rishabh Pant announced three changes at the toss. Josh Inglis replaced Mukul, and Raghuwanshi received his maiden cap. Pant said the third change would be decided during the second innings. The team sits at the bottom of the league table, and batting has been a major concern. Raghuwanshi's inclusion signals an urgent attempt to revive their campaign.

From Gwalior to the big stage

Raghuwanshi started playing cricket at age three under his father's guidance in Gwalior. He progressed through age-group cricket and made a mark in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season, scoring a century on debut against Meghalaya and a half-century in his next match. He captained Madhya Pradesh's Under-19 side in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. In List A cricket, he has 361 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81; in T20s, 63 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 131.25.

The Madhya Pradesh League breakout

Raghuwanshi's reputation soared during the 2025 Madhya Pradesh League, where he amassed 239 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 177.04, including a 115 off 56 balls. His signature shot, a 'no-look' upper cut, became a talking point. Despite his domestic success, IPL franchises had overlooked him until LSG secured his services for INR 2.2 crore at the auction.

Praise from mentors

Venkatesh Iyer, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, called Raghuwanshi the most talented player he had seen at age 21. Former Madhya Pradesh and Kolkata Knight Riders coach Chandrakant Pandit recalled umpiring a practice match when Raghuwanshi was 17. Pandit said he gave him not out on a leg-before appeal that was out, and Raghuwanshi went on to score 165. Pandit later told the team to learn from the courage of that 18-year-old boy.

What lies ahead

Raghuwanshi's debut, though short, demonstrated his fearlessness. With LSG struggling at the bottom, he may get more opportunities to prove his mettle. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs could be crucial for a team desperate for batting firepower. The youngster now has a platform to build on, with his idol Rohit Sharma as a witness to his first IPL six.

The bottom line

• Akshat Raghuwanshi hit a six off the first ball of his IPL debut, becoming the latest young talent to make an instant impact.
• He was bought for INR 2.2 crore after a stellar Madhya Pradesh League season where he scored 239 runs at a strike rate of 177.04.
• Raghuwanshi idolises Rohit Sharma and made his debut against MI at Wankhede, adding a personal narrative to the match.
• LSG, 10th in the standings, made three changes including Raghuwanshi and Josh Inglis, signalling a shake-up in their lineup.
• His domestic pedigree includes a century on first-class debut and captaincy of Madhya Pradesh's U-19 side.
• Coaches and players have praised his courage and talent, suggesting a promising future in T20 cricket.