Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) young batsman Akshat Raghuvanshi has expressed his admiration for Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The youngster revealed that he supports Mumbai Indians (MI) and said that it was a special moment to meet his childhood idol during the IPL journey.
Raghuvanshi made his IPL debut for Lucknow Super Giants against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, May 4, 2026. The young batsman received his first LSG cap before the match and got the opportunity to share the field with Rohit in one of the most memorable moments of his career.
My favorite IPL team is Mumbai Indians because of Rohit Sharma – Akshat Raghuvanshi
Speaking to SportsYari, Akshat Raghuvanshi expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma and revealed that Mumbai Indians has always been his favorite IPL team. The young batsman said that making his IPL debut against Mumbai Indians has made this occasion even more special.
“My favorite IPL team is Mumbai Indians because Rohit Sharma is my idol, and that’s why my favorite team is MI. My first game was against MI, so I got a chance to meet Rohit Sharma. I was really happy that my first game was against them. I talked to him and clicked a photo with him.”
Akshat Raghuvanshi said, “My favorite IPL team is Mumbai Indians because Rohit Sharma is my idol and that is why my favorite team is MI.
My first match was against MI so I got a chance to meet Rohit Sharma. I was really happy that my first game was against them.
I talk to him… pic.twitter.com/MZ7eJuFWjY– Rohit Sharma Fan (@hitmanfanfollow) June 12, 2026
Akshat Raghuvanshi earns IPL contract after brilliant domestic season
After a stellar performance in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh League, Lucknow Super Giants signed Akshat Raghuvanshi for Rs 2.2 crore. The young batsman emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in domestic cricket with his aggressive approach at the top of the order.
Raghuvanshi scored 239 runs at a strike rate of 177.04 in just four matches during the tournament. His campaign included a brilliant century as he scored 115 off just 56 balls to attract the attention of IPL franchises.
The right-handed batsman made an immediate impact on his IPL debut against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. He announced his arrival in the competition by hitting a six on the very first ball.
Raghuvanshi participated in three matches during IPL 2026 and batted in two innings. He scored 29 runs at an average of 14.50 and a strike rate of 116.00, while also taking one catch in the field.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma scored 283 runs in nine matches during IPL 2026 at an average of 35.38 and a strike rate of 157.22. His campaign was hampered by a hamstring injury, which caused him to miss five matches during the second half of the season.
The experienced opening batsman recorded two half-centuries during the tournament. His highest score was 84 runs in 44 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, while he also played a brilliant inning of 78 runs in 38 balls at the Wankhede Stadium.
IPL 2026 was his 19th consecutive season in the tournament, making him one of the few players to feature in every edition since 2008. After IPL, Rohit will make a comeback in international cricket. He is set to play for India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on home soil.