Mumbai: Emerging Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi has expressed his ambition to represent India across all formats, including the longest and most prestigious one — Test cricket.
Speaking to Wisden.com, the 19-year-old Mumbai-born cricketer said, “I want to play all formats of the game, including Test cricket.” Raghuvanshi, who gained national attention after finishing as India’s top scorer in the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup with 278 runs in six innings, has since steadily climbed the ranks in Indian domestic and franchise cricket.
IPL: A Steep Learning Curve
After making his IPL debut with KKR in 2024, Raghuvanshi was retained for ₹30 lakh ahead of the 2025 season. Despite a challenging season for the reigning champions — who finished eighth on the points table with five wins, seven losses, and two no-results — Raghuvanshi emerged as one of the few bright spots.
He was one of only two KKR batsmen to score over 300 runs in the season, the other being captain Ajinkya Rahane.
Reflecting on the competition’s intensity, Raghuvanshi admitted, “In the IPL, they spin the ball more and bowl quicker. It’s simply harder here. I need to train more and keep working on my game.”
Building a Complete Game
Raghuvanshi stressed the importance of consistency, experience, and adaptability in a cricketer’s journey. “Playing as much cricket as you can and gaining experience is more important. You get to know who you are and how to adapt across formats. I try to play as many matches as I can, while also focusing on regular practice.”
Mumbai Roots and Mentorship from SKY
The young batter credited his cricketing roots in Mumbai, where stiff competition helped him evolve his game — especially his ability to play spin.
“The ball turns a lot on Mumbai pitches. That’s where I improved my spin game,” he said. He also spoke highly of his learning experiences with Suryakumar Yadav, India’s current T20 captain and one of the finest exponents of unconventional stroke play.
“I enjoy watching Surya bhai’s approach to spin bowling. I try to observe how he manipulates the field and tackles spinners. He’s been a great source of inspiration.”
The Road Ahead
Despite KKR’s underwhelming 2025 campaign, Raghuvanshi has made a strong impression. His hunger to don the national colors in all three formats — particularly Test whites — signals the arrival of a new generation of Indian cricketers who value versatility, hard work, and a deep-rooted passion for the game.
As the cricketing world keeps an eye on India’s next crop of batting stars, Angkrish Raghuvanshi is certainly a name to watch.
