Akshat Raghuvanshi is a young, uncapped right-handed batter from Madhya Pradesh who has been one of the most exciting domestic batting prospects in recent seasons. At the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured his services for Rs 2.20 crore, backing his aggressive strokeplay and high-impact T20 credentials.
A batter with fearless intent
Raghuvanshi is known for his attacking mindset, clean hitting, and ability to dominate bowlers from the outset. Comfortable batting in the top and middle order, he combines solid technique with modern T20 aggression—qualities that have consistently stood out in domestic tournaments.
Early promise in red-ball cricket
He first came into the spotlight in 2022, when he announced himself with a century on his Ranji Trophy debut for Madhya Pradesh. Scoring 100 runs in his first first-class match highlighted his temperament and ability to perform on big occasions.
T20 breakout in the MPL
Raghuvanshi’s real surge in popularity came through the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL), where his power-hitting turned heads.
In the MPL 2025 season, he delivered a standout performance:
- Runs: 239
- Innings: 4
- Average: 59.75
- Strike rate: 177.04
- Highest score: 115 off 56 balls
His century was one of the most destructive innings of the tournament and firmly established him as a high-impact T20 batter.
Previous IPL exposure
Akshat Raghuvanshi was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad during the IPL 2024 season, where he gained exposure to the IPL environment despite not featuring in a match. He was later released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, giving other franchises an opportunity to bid for him.
Why LSG invested Rs 2.20 crore
Lucknow Super Giants’ decision to spend Rs 2.20 crore reflects their belief in Raghuvanshi’s upside:
- Proven domestic consistency
- Explosive T20 strike rate
- Experience of IPL setup with KKR
- Long-term Indian batting option
LSG are building a squad with a strong Indian core, and Raghuvanshi fits that vision as a player who can be developed into a reliable impact batter.
What lies ahead
While Akshat Raghuvanshi may not be an automatic starter in IPL 2026, his signing signals trust in his talent and growth potential. With his aggressive style and confidence built from domestic success, he now has the platform to push for opportunities at the highest level.
For Lucknow Super Giants, this Rs 2.20 crore investment could prove to be a smart long-term bet on one of India’s rising batting talents.
