Following a string of injuries that saw Angkrish Raghuvanshi sidelined from the IPL 2026, the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is back to showcase his talents. Having recovered from both a concussion and a fractured finger, Raghuvanshi is relishing a return to the cricket field, as he prepares for the 2026-27 domestic season.
Participating in the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s K Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy and a recent match for Rest of India against Tamil Nadu in Chennai, Raghuvanshi appears firmly back on track. “I really enjoyed myself. This is what all cricketers want to do, no one wants to sit at home being injured,” he expressed candidly at Chepauk. “So I’m really grateful that I could be back on the field. Bahut maza aaya [It was a lot of fun].”
In Chennai, Raghuvanshi proved his mettle with a commendable score of 203 off 281 balls under heat that tested even the fittest athletes. His resolute performance suggested he was fully recovered and back to form, skilfully countering Tamil Nadu’s varied bowling attack. “I’m playing after such a long break and it gave me some clarity and my happy place is there in the middle,” he shared, embracing the opportunity to bat at length.
Raghuvanshi has faced persistent challenges, including a back stress fracture. Yet, guided by his mentor, KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar, he maintains a positive outlook. “I’ve spent roughly 16 of the past 36 months sidelined,” Raghuvanshi noted. “There have been plenty of highs and lows, but I knew what I signed up for – injuries are an inevitable part of professional sport.”
Nayar’s mentorship has been crucial, encouraging Raghuvanshi to focus on improving other aspects of his game during recovery periods. This mindset shift helped him developmentally and kept him engaged despite the setbacks. “Every time I have a conversation with him [Nayar], I have a lot of clarity,” said Raghuvanshi. Nayar and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik also played key roles in transitioning Raghuvanshi into a wicketkeeper.
Reflecting on this transition, Raghuvanshi said, “Abhishek Nayar tells me to improve a lot of things, he gave me that idea [of keeping wicket]. It’s all about what you can add to your skill set and what you can add for the team, right?”
Despite suffering another setback in the IPL due to a concussion and fracture, Raghuvanshi’s resolve remains undeterred. As he looks forward to the upcoming season, Raghuvanshi aims for collective success rather than personal accolades. “I’m not thinking about personal goals – how many runs I’ll score or anything. It’s about how many trophies I can win for my team in whatever tournament,” he stated assuredly, shifting focus to victories for Mumbai and his club.
Such determination signifies Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s enduring commitment to the sport, ready to channel his passion towards contributions both to his team’s triumphs and his evolving career.
