Akshat Raghuwanshi Makes IPL Debut for Lucknow Super Giants, Scoring 11 Off 7 Balls

Key facts

• Akshat Raghuwanshi made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians on May 4, 2026.
• He was purchased for INR 2.2 crore at the 2025 auction.
• Raghuwanshi scored 11 runs off 7 balls, including a six off the first ball from Will Jacks.
• He was dismissed by Raghu Sharma.
• LSG captain Rishabh Pant confirmed three changes: Raghuwanshi debuted, Josh Inglis replaced Mukul.
• Raghuwanshi idolises Rohit Sharma, who was playing for Mumbai Indians.
• He scored 239 runs in four Madhya Pradesh League matches in 2025 at a strike rate of 177.04.
• LSG entered the match at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.

Debut Under the Lights at Wankhede

Akshat Raghuwanshi walked out to bat for the first time in the Indian Premier League on May 4, 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, wearing the Lucknow Super Giants jersey. The 22-year-old right-handed batter from Madhya Pradesh had waited years for this moment, and his first ball in the IPL was a statement: a six over long-on off Will Jacks. He finished with 11 runs from seven deliveries before being dismissed by Raghu Sharma, a brief innings that nonetheless marked the arrival of a player long tipped for the big stage.

A Long-Awaited Chance

Raghuwanshi's debut came after Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for INR 2.2 crore at the 2025 mini auction. Despite strong domestic performances, an IPL contract had eluded him until then. His inclusion was one of three changes announced by captain Rishabh Pant at the toss: Josh Inglis replaced Mukul, and the third change would be decided later. Pant said simply, 'Raghuwanshi is making his debut.' The decision came at a time when LSG were languishing at the bottom of the league table, with batting a major concern.

From Gwalior to the IPL Stage

Raghuwanshi's cricketing journey began at age three under his father's guidance in Gwalior. He progressed through age-group cricket, captaining Madhya Pradesh's U-19 side in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. His breakthrough came in the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored a century on debut against Meghalaya and followed it with a half-century in his second match. Former Madhya Pradesh coach Chandrakant Pandit recalled seeing him at 17 in a practice game: 'The first ball struck his pads. I called it not out, but it was out. He went on to score 165.'

Domestic Dominance and a Signature Shot

Raghuwanshi's List A numbers stand at 361 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81, and in seven T20 matches he has scored 63 runs at a strike rate of 131.25. But it was the 2025 Madhya Pradesh League that truly put him on the radar. In four matches, he amassed 239 runs at a staggering strike rate of 177.04, including a 115 off 56 balls. His fearless approach and audacious 'no-look' upper cut became his trademark. 'At 21, I haven't seen a more talented player,' said Venkatesh Iyer, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Facing His Idol

In a fitting twist, Raghuwanshi's debut came against Mumbai Indians and in front of his idol, Rohit Sharma. The young batter, who grew up watching Sharma, now shared the same field. 'Big things are waiting for him in the future,' Iyer added. The moment underscored the journey from a young fan in Gwalior to a professional sharing the crease with his hero. However, Raghuwanshi's innings was short-lived, and LSG's batting struggles continued as they chased a target.

LSG's Batting Woes Persist

Raghuwanshi's debut did little to immediately solve LSG's batting problems. The team entered the match at the bottom of the table, and their batting has been a major concern this season. Josh Inglis, the other new inclusion, scored 13 off five balls before being dismissed. The team's reliance on fresh faces highlights the depth of their struggles. Raghuwanshi's performance, while brief, offers a glimpse of potential, but the question remains whether he can translate domestic momentum into consistent IPL runs.

Outlook: A Career at the Crossroads

Raghuwanshi's debut marks the beginning of his IPL journey, but the path ahead is uncertain. With only 63 runs in seven T20 matches before this game, his domestic numbers in the shortest format are modest. However, his Madhya Pradesh League explosion and the backing of figures like Chandrakant Pandit suggest a player with raw talent. LSG have invested in him, and the franchise's position at the bottom of the table may offer him more opportunities. Whether he seizes them will define his future in the league.

The bottom line

• Akshat Raghuwanshi made his IPL debut for LSG on May 4, 2026, scoring 11 off 7 balls.
• He was bought for INR 2.2 crore and is a product of Madhya Pradesh cricket.
• His domestic highlight is 239 runs in four Madhya Pradesh League matches at a strike rate of 177.04.
• He idolises Rohit Sharma and faced him in his debut match.
• LSG are at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, with batting as a key weakness.
• Raghuwanshi's future hinges on converting domestic form into consistent IPL performances.