06 Akshat Raghuwanshi

A fearless middle-order powerhouse from Madhya Pradesh, Akshat Raghuwanshi (born September 15, 2003) is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young “power-hitters” in Indian cricket. Known for his imposing 6’2″ frame and the ability to clear the ropes at will, Raghuwanshi has been compared to international stars like Cameron Green for his raw strength and explosive scoring range.

As of January 22, 2026, Akshat Raghuwanshi is the centerpiece of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) youth project. After a high-stakes bidding war with Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG secured the 22-year-old for a staggering ₹2.2 Crore at the December 2025 auction. He enters the IPL 2026 season fresh from a dominant Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign where he emerged as Madhya Pradesh’s most consistent middle-order anchor.

Akshat Raghuwanshi: Career Profile & 2025–26 Milestones

The ₹2.2 Crore Auction Breakthrough

Following a “brutal realization” after going unsold in previous years, Raghuwanshi underwent a radical transformation. He shifted his focus to maintaining a strike rate of 200, reportedly hitting 300 sixes daily in training sessions.

• The Bidding War: His performance in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPPL)—where he smashed 239 runs at a strike rate of 177.04—triggered a fierce battle between SRH and LSG, with Lucknow eventually securing him as a marquee domestic asset.

• The Signature Shot: He has gained viral fame for his “no-look upper cut,” a shot that has become a nightmare for pace bowlers in the death overs.

Domestic Dominance & Mentorship

Raghuwanshi’s rise has been backed by some of the biggest names in Indian cricket.

• High Praise: India international Venkatesh Iyer described him as the most talented player he has seen at age 21.

• Mentorship: He has been polished under the watchful eyes of legendary coach Chandrakant Pandit and former India cricketer Amay Khurasia.

• Record Debut: He famously struck a century on his First-Class debut against Meghalaya, showcasing that his technical foundation is as solid as his power-hitting.

Recent Form (January 2026)

In the recently concluded 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Raghuwanshi was in clinical touch:

• Puducherry Masterclass: Smashed a disciplined 73 (67) on January 2, 2026.

• Jharkhand Heroics: Followed up with a crucial 64 (61) on January 5 to help MP secure a knockout berth.

• Consistency: Throughout the tournament, he averaged over 45 with a strike rate exceeding 100, proving he can adapt his game to the situation.

Akshat Raghuwanshi: Consolidated Statistics

Data updated as of January 22, 2026.

Recent Match Tracker (VHT 2025–26)

Cumulative Career Record