Akshat Raghuwanshi

Akshat Raghuwanshi is a talented 22-year-old middle-order batter from Madhya Pradesh who was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹2.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. A 'crorepati' success story of the season, he became the subject of a fierce bidding war between LSG and Sunrisers Hyderabad, which saw his price soar from a base of ₹30 lakh. Raghuwanshi first entered the spotlight as an 18-year-old when he scored a century on his First-Class debut against Meghalaya, eventually helping Madhya Pradesh secure their historic maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2022.

Known for his aggressive intent and high-velocity scoring, Raghuwanshi enters the 2026 season with an enhanced reputation as a T20 power-hitter. He recently set the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) ablaze by smashing a record-breaking 105 off just 43 balls (including 9 sixes) for the Indore Pink Panthers. His technical range is equally impressive; he maintains a daily training ritual of hitting 300 sixes and is described by coaches as a versatile asset who can function as an opener or a finisher. With recent domestic scores of 73 and 64 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Raghuwanshi provides Lucknow with a robust and explosive domestic batting option.