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

Key facts

• Akshat Raghuwanshi, 22, made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians on May 4, 2026.
• He hit a six off the first ball he faced, off Will Jacks, before being dismissed for 11 runs off 7 balls by Raghu Sharma.
• LSG captain Rishabh Pant confirmed Raghuwanshi's debut at the toss, alongside the inclusion of Josh Inglis.
• Raghuwanshi was bought for INR 2.2 crore at the 2025 mini auction after a standout Madhya Pradesh League season.
• He scored 239 runs in four Madhya Pradesh League matches at a strike rate of 177.04, including a 115 off 56 balls.
• Raghuwanshi made a century on his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh against Meghalaya in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy.
• He captained Madhya Pradesh's U-19 side in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
• LSG are 10th in the IPL 2026 standings, with batting struggles prompting the debut.

A debut to remember at Wankhede

Akshat Raghuwanshi walked out to bat for the first time in the Indian Premier League on Monday, facing his idol Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The 22-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, playing for Lucknow Super Giants, smashed the first ball he faced — from Will Jacks — over long-on for a six, a moment that electrified the crowd and announced his arrival on cricket's biggest T20 stage. Raghuwanshi's innings lasted only seven deliveries, yielding 11 runs before Raghu Sharma dismissed him. But the audacity of that opening stroke, a lofted drive that cleared the boundary with ease, encapsulated the fearless approach that has made him one of the most talked-about young batters in Indian domestic cricket.

LSG's gamble amid a struggling season

Lucknow Super Giants, languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, handed Raghuwanshi his maiden cap as part of three changes to the lineup. Captain Rishabh Pant announced at the toss: "We have three changes. Josh Inglis comes in, Mukul goes out, and Raghuwanshi is making his debut. Bowling we will decide later." The team later confirmed that a third change would be decided in the second innings. The inclusion of Raghuwanshi and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis — who scored 13 off five balls before being caught off AM Ghazanfar — reflected LSG's urgency to address their batting woes. Pant's decision to insert Raghuwanshi into the middle order underscored the franchise's belief in the youngster's ability to accelerate against quality bowling.

From Gwalior to the IPL: a rapid rise

Raghuwanshi's cricketing journey began at the age of three in Gwalior, under the guidance of his father. 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, when he scored a century on his first-class debut against Meghalaya and followed it with a half-century in his second match. Despite modest List A numbers — 361 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81 — and only 63 runs in seven T20 matches before his debut, Raghuwanshi's attacking intent caught the eye of scouts. His signature shot, a "no-look" upper cut, has become a hallmark of his fearless batting style.

The Madhya Pradesh League explosion

Raghuwanshi's stock soared during the 2025 edition of the Madhya Pradesh League, where he amassed 239 runs in just four innings at a staggering strike rate of 177.04. His innings included a 115 off 56 balls against Bhopal Legends, a knock that showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks from the outset. That performance made him one of the most sought-after prospects at the IPL mini auction, where Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for INR 2.2 crore. Venkatesh Iyer, who played with Raghuwanshi for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was quoted as saying: "At 21, I haven't seen a more talented player. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Big things are waiting for him in the future."

Praise from mentors and a fitting debut stage

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." Pandit added: "The courage he has shown at this level was exactly what I told in the post-match chat with the team. We have to learn to show the courage of this 18-year-old boy. He was never under pressure." That courage was on full display as Raghuwanshi faced his idol Rohit Sharma on debut, a narrative twist that added emotional weight to the occasion.

What lies ahead for LSG and Raghuwanshi

Despite his brief innings, Raghuwanshi's debut has already generated significant buzz. LSG, with only a handful of matches left in the league stage, will hope that his fearless approach can inject momentum into a faltering campaign. For Raghuwanshi, the platform is set: a contract worth INR 2.2 crore, the backing of a franchise in need of spark, and a signature shot that has already made him a talking point. The question now is whether he can convert that promise into consistent performances at the highest level. His domestic numbers suggest a player who thrives on attacking cricket, but IPL bowling attacks will test his technique and temperament. For now, the first-ball six at Wankhede has given Lucknow Super Giants and their fans a glimpse of what might be.

The bottom line

• Akshat Raghuwanshi made a stunning IPL debut by hitting a six off the first ball he faced, before scoring 11 off 7 balls for LSG against MI.
• LSG, 10th in the standings, made three changes including Raghuwanshi and Josh Inglis to revive their season.
• Raghuwanshi's domestic credentials include a first-class century on debut and 239 runs at a strike rate of 177.04 in the Madhya Pradesh League.
• He idolises Rohit Sharma and faced him in his debut match at Wankhede Stadium.
• Coaches Chandrakant Pandit and Venkatesh Iyer have praised his talent and courage, predicting a bright future.
• LSG's batting struggles may offer Raghuwanshi further opportunities to prove himself in the remainder of IPL 2026.