New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Akshat Raghuwanshi's journey in cricket began to flourish post the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighted by a remarkable century during his debut in the Ranji Trophy, marking him as a prominent batting figure in Madhya Pradesh and assisting the team in achieving their first title.

Recently acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 2.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, this middle-order batsman from Ashok Nagar is eager to transform his inaugural appearance in the ten-team tournament into a pivotal moment in his cricket career. He reflected, "A crucial turning point arose after Covid-19 during my U-19 days. I performed well in the U-19 and subsequently got selected for the Ranji Trophy, where I scored a century on my debut."

“Following that, I consistently scored over fifty runs in four consecutive matches, leading to our Ranji Trophy victory that season. This opportunity is monumental for me. I aim to make this IPL my life’s turning point,” Raghuwanshi shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.

The middle-order batsman was intensely focused on the IPL 2026 auction alongside his teammates during a division tournament, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions as his name was announced for bidding – from anxiety to excitement, culminating in a congratulatory call from Indian pacer Avesh Khan. “I was monitoring the auction from the start and felt quite nervous. Just before my name was announced, I was anxious about whether anyone would bid for me. When my name was called, the first bid was made.”

“All my teammates were with me, and they erupted in joy, dancing and singing. Then, the TV went off, so I was momentarily unaware of what had transpired or which team I joined. It was only after Avesh bhaiya called me post-bidding that I learned Lucknow had picked me, as he is part of that team. That was when I understood I would be joining LSG,” he recalled.

Joining LSG fulfilled a cherished family dream. "My family was elated. They have always envisioned my success in cricket, so they celebrated this achievement extensively," Raghuwanshi said.

Hailing from Ashok Nagar, a region famous for its Sharbati flour, Raghuwanshi’s father played a key role in nurturing his cricketing talents. "I began playing cricket at about 4-5 years old. My father would have me practice with a plastic or rubber ball, and I would play all day long."

“By the age of 10-11, I made a firm decision to pursue cricket seriously. The early exposure allowed me to develop a deep passion for the game, leading to a swift decision to play professionally. At 10, I relocated to Indore due to limited playing facilities in Ashok Nagar."

His coaching journey aligned perfectly. "Initially, my father coached me, but when I was 10-11, I was trained by Amay Khurasiya, the head coach at the MPCA academy, who taught me crucial techniques and fundamentals of the game."

Since his participation in Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy-winning campaign, Raghuwanshi faced a challenging phase in his career. However, his recent performances in white-ball cricket indicate a strong resurgence. In this year's Madhya Pradesh Premier League, he emerged as one of the standout players, despite not topping the run charts.

His explosive knock of 105 runs off 45 balls against the Bhopal Leopards attracted the attention of talent scouts, as he totaled 239 runs in four innings with a strike rate of 177. Raghuwanshi acknowledges the pressure of expectations but views it as a testament to his skills and capabilities.

"Absolutely. Knowing that others are watching you adds pressure, but it also bolsters your self-belief when positivity surrounds you. It instills confidence that I deserve to be at this level. When people speak highly of me, it has a significant impact, and it feels rewarding,” he stated.

His aggressive style in T20 cricket is marked by his intent to attack without waiting to settle in. "My batting approach in T20 matches is consistent. If I spot an opportunity to hit a ball for four or six, I take it, regardless of whether it’s the first or second ball. If the ball is in my hitting zone, I seize the chance, and it tends to work well for me."

His signature shot, the no-look upper cut over the third man, has been honed through extensive practice. "It’s not just instinctive; I’ve worked hard on it over the past couple of years, particularly with plastic balls to prepare for bouncers, since T20s often see the third man positioned up."

“That area is typically vacant. Hence, when facing a bouncer, I aim to hit it. I’ve practiced so much that I can connect even without directly looking at the ball; it’s now ingrained in my muscle memory," he explained.

Raghuwanshi credits fellow Madhya Pradesh batting stars Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer for improving his mental resilience in high-pressure situations. "I learn a lot from Patidar and Iyer. They always advise me to stay composed in challenging times. They emphasize that regardless of the situation, trusting in oneself and continuing to bat is crucial."

“They advise against overthinking the situation at hand. Instead, focus on batting, and the team will navigate through it. If you attempt to force a solution, it often backfires. But by persisting at the wicket, you can find a way out,” he added.

As he gears up for his IPL debut after fulfilling his commitments in Madhya Pradesh, Raghuwanshi’s primary focus is on learning and cultivating the mental fortitude essential for success at the highest level.

"Currently, my objective is to absorb as much knowledge as possible regarding cricket—from gameplay strategies to mindset, maintaining calm in various situations, and enhancing my self-belief. If given the chance to play for the team, I will strive to contribute to winning the match, which is also one of my current goals," he concluded.

He underlined self-belief as the cornerstone of his achievements, viewing IPL 2026 as a crucial juncture in his career. "I want to learn how to cultivate self-confidence. In cricket today, strong self-belief is paramount. The more self-assurance you possess, the better you perform. Hence, my main aim is to enhance my self-belief."