Lucknow Super Giants gave a chance to debutant  Akshat Raghuwanshi in the IPL 2026 match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The middle-order batter from Madhya Pradesh was bought for INR 2.20 crore in the mini auction. He is renowned for his attacking batting and was one of the top performers in the Madhya Pradesh League in 2025. He is also one of the players to watch out for in the 19th season of the tournament.

“We have made three changes. Josh Inglis is playing in place of Mukul.  Raghuwanshi is making his debut. We will decide about the third player in the second innings,” Pant said at the toss.

Raghuwanshi managed just 11 runs off 7 balls before Raghu Sharma dismissed him.

Raghuwanshi started playing cricket at the age of 3 under the supervision of his father in Gwalior. He showed his talent and skills in the age-group cricket and then got recognition in the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season.

Raghuwanshi was Madhya Pradesh’s captain in the  U-19 side in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. In his List A career, he has scored 361 runs in 17 innings at an average of 22.81. He has been a part of seven T20 matches, amassing  63 runs at a strike rate of 131.25.

He is a fan of Rohit Sharma and was at his best in the latest season of the  Madhya Pradesh League, accumulating  239 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 177.04, including 115 runs in 56 balls.

Despite his success in domestic cricket, the IPL franchises ignored him before the Lucknow Super Giants signed him. He is competing against his idol Rohit.

LSG’s another change, Josh Inglis managed just 13 runs off 5 balls.