LSG's Akshat Raghuwanshi: Jyotiraditya Scindia's endorsement, toughening up under Amay Khurasia, brutal realisation

New Delhi: Legendary coach Chandrakant Pandit is a stickler for discipline and ensuring that cricket is played strictly according to rules. However, Pandit decided to make a rare exception, granting a second breath of life to a highly rated 17-year-old batter. The 64-year-old coach adjudged the batter not out despite the ball striking his pads, gifting concession in a practice match where he was umpiring. The 17-year-old cricketer went on to score 165, which impressed Pandit and paved the way for entry into the Madhya Pradesh (MP) setup.

IPL 2026's player auction recently witnessed heavy demand for Akshat Raghuwanshi, the player being referred to, drawing a bidding war between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). LSG eventually signed the 22-year-old batter for rupees 2.2 crore, acquiring a cricketer who has drawn comparisons to Australia's Cameron Green for his big-hitting. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer had earlier stated that he hasn't seen a more talented player than Raghuwanshi at 21.



'Akshat's maiden IPL season delayed by 2 years'

The right-handed batter smashed 239 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 177.04 in the last edition of the Madhya Pradesh Premier League, plundering 16 sixes. Raghuwanshi, who idolises Rohit Sharma, especially caught the eye with his no-look upper cut, which has emerged as a signature shot. The MP batter had gone unsold in the previous edition of IPL despite quality performances, leading to nervousness. However, there was quiet confidence at the same time, having drawn trial invitations from nine franchises.

"We were very sad after Akshat went unsold in the last IPL auction, as the whole family had sat down together to watch him get a historic opportunity. This time, we were following proceedings quietly in our respective homes due to fear of another setback. However, everyone started bursting crackers and distributing sweets after Akshat got picked," said Raghuwanshi's father Krishna Pal, during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com. LSG pacer Avesh Khan kept Akshat abreast about the teams bidding for him after the latter's TV broke down midway during the auction.

"We hail from Ashoknagar, a remote city in Madhya Pradesh, which resulted in fewer opportunities for Akshat. Otherwise, my son was well capable of being picked in the IPL two years back," added Krishna Pal.

'Unable to speak but crisp shot selection'

Raghuwanshi started playing cricket when he was 3 years old, showcasing unprecedented strength and excellent footwork, drawing encouragement from his father. The MP batter could perfectly play a cover drive, flick shot or cut shot despite not having the ability to speak, urging Krishna Pal to quit his business and shift to Indore for enhanced training in the coming years. Noting his talent, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia approached the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), urging them to include Raghuwanshi in the residential training programme. The request was turned down due to concerns over the MP batter's age as he was just 11.

However, Raghuwanshi impressed ex-India cricketer Amay Khurasiya with his fearlessness during the selection trials next year, stepping forward to defend a short-pitched delivery bowled at 125 km/h. The MP batter was hardly 4 ft tall but showcased confidence against an under-19 pacer, leaving Khurasiya stunned. "He said, 'Akshat is the son of a lion and not scared of anyone. Witnessing his character, Amay sir decided to include him in the residential academy," shared Krishna Pal.

'Rock-solid mentality, no excuses approach'

Training sessions under Khurasiya were well structured with utmost focus on discipline. Even a second's delay in arrival for practice was considered unpardonable and while shots were encouraged, rashness in execution was a strict no-no. Raghuwanshi ran his fair share of rounds and was even scolded by Khurasiya for his shot selection but considers it a phase which strengthened character and developed his game even further.

"There was a medical test scheduled when I was 12 years old. We were instructed not to have breakfast and to skip practice. However, the training session still took place where Khurasiya sir noted my absence and called me. When I narrated the instructions, sir said, 'Does he want to play for India or do you?'. I ran 12 rounds after that," stated Raghuwanshi.

Training under such a structured routine where complete commitment is a necessity also developed a strong sense of accountability within the MP batter. Raghuwanshi can be exceedingly tough on himself as evident from an instance where Khurasiya asked the 22-year-old cricketer to train from 10 AM to 12 PM. Krishna Pal arrived at 11.45 AM, urging his son to leave along with the other players. Khurasiya soon noted Raghuwanshi's absence, instructing the MP batter's father not to give him lunch as a form of punishment.

"Akshat was very tired but didn't eat lunch and dinner that day out of guilt over making such an error in judgment. He never repeated such a mistake again," said Krishna Pal.

'Brutal realisation, hardcore transformation'

Raghuwanshi soon started impressing for MP, scoring a century on first-class debut, followed by a half-century in the second match. However, despite all the runs in domestic cricket, a shot at the IPL continued to elude him, resulting in a brutal realisation two years back which emerged as a major eye-opener. Raghuwanshi used to focus on orthodox cricket earlier with grounded shots but soon realised that such gameplay and a strike rate of 150 wouldn't earn him a spot in the T20 league.

"Akshat used to tell me again and again, 'Players are scoring 80 off 40 balls and getting picked. Why will anyone take me?'. I would scold him, saying that playing too fast will ruin his game. However, Akshat was convinced that a strike rate of 150 will only lead to state-level opportunities, shifting focus towards maintaining a strike rate of 200 in every knock," shared Krishna Pal.

Raghuwanshi quickly figured out a training programme involving a fine mix of strength, innovation and focus on ensuring 300 sixes daily in training sessions stretching up to six hours. The 22-year-old batter also enjoys strong conviction in his gameplay, sticking to his aggressive mindset despite being discouraged by coaches. Raghuwanshi was dropped as punishment on certain occasions but stuck to the same approach due to his ultimate dream of featuring in the IPL. The MP batter was especially scolded a lot for playing the sweep shot which has been a strong weapon in his armour, staying resolute due to the dominance it provides against spinners.

'Abhishek Sharma's praise'


Interestingly, Raghuwanshi drew praise from Abhishek Sharma during a tournament in Baroda last year. Sharma encouraged the MP batter to maintain strong belief, emphasising that the 22-year-old cricketer is built for cricket's highest levels.

"Akshat can spot the length very accurately and enjoys strong balance at the crease. He can cut and pull astutely as well as make a difference as an opener, middle-order batter and finisher. His mental strength and character will hold him in good stead," stated Khurasiya.


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