Young Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter Akshat Raghuvanshi has spoken about his admiration for Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The youngster revealed that he supports the Mumbai Indians (MI) and added that it was a special moment to meet his childhood idol during his 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 batter received his maiden LSG cap ahead of the match and had the opportunity to share the field with Rohit in one of the most memorable moments of his career.
My Favourite IPL Team Is Mumbai Indians Because of Rohit Sharma - Akshat Raghuvanshi
Speaking to Sportsyaari, Akshat Raghuvanshi opened up about his admiration for Rohit Sharma and revealed that Mumbai Indians have always been his favorite IPL team. The young batter said that making his IPL debut against Mumbai Indians made the occasion even more special.
"My favourite IPL team is Mumbai Indians because Rohit Sharma is my idol, and that's why my favourite team is MI. My debut 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 favourite IPL team is Mumbai Indians because Rohit Sharma is my idol & that's why my favourite team is MI.
— Rohit Sharma Fan (@hitmanfanfollow) June 12, 2026
My debut 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 talk to him,… pic.twitter.com/MZ7eJuFWjY
Akshat Raghuvanshi Earned IPL Contract After Breakthrough Domestic Season
Lucknow Super Giants signed Akshat Raghuvanshi for INR 2.2 crore after his impressive performances in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh League. The young batter 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 in just four matches during the tournament at a strike rate of 177.04. His campaign included a stunning century, as he smashed 115 runs off only 56 balls to attract the attention of IPL franchises.
The right-hander made an instant impression on his IPL debut against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. He announced his arrival in style by hitting a six off the very first ball he faced in the competition.
Raghuvanshi featured 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 at an average of 35.38 and a strike rate of 157.22 during IPL 2026. His campaign was interrupted by a hamstring injury, which forced him to miss five matches during the second half of the season.
The veteran opener registered two half-centuries during the tournament. His highest score was 84 off 44 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, while he also played a brilliant knock of 78 off 38 deliveries at the Wankhede Stadium.
IPL 2026 was also his 19th consecutive season in the tournament, making him one of the few players to feature in every edition since 2008. Following the IPL, Rohit will return to international cricket. He is set to play for India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at home.
