Akshat Raghuwanshi believes the Aditya Birla Group Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup has become one of the most important platforms for aspiring cricketers in the state. Having experienced the tournament both before and after his IPL journey, he feels the competition not only provides valuable exposure but also allows young players to learn from established stars.
“The MPL is a huge opportunity for all cricketers in Madhya Pradesh. The kind of platform it provides is incredible, with scouts regularly watching games and matches being broadcast live. We have already seen several players earn IPL opportunities through this tournament, which shows how impactful it can be. Sharing the dressing room with experienced players and IPL stars is also a great learning experience for youngsters who are looking to take the next step in their careers,” Akshay said.
Reflecting on the players who have influenced him, Akshat highlighted the importance of learning from successful leaders and experienced cricketers.
“Rajat Patidar is someone I admire a lot as a captain. He has achieved success both for his franchise and at the domestic level, and there is a lot to learn from the way he leads his team. I always try to observe senior players and understand how they handle pressure situations,” he said.
Talking about his aggressive style of batting, Akshat admitted that it often invites advice from coaches but insisted that backing his natural game remains important.
“My game has always been based on aggression. If the ball is in my area, I like to take it on and play my shots. Of course, coaches keep reminding me about balancing aggression with responsibility, and that’s something I continue to work on. But at the same time, I believe in backing my strengths and expressing myself at the crease,” he added.
Akshat also recalled his memorable IPL experience, where he had the opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in world cricket.
“Playing in the IPL was a fantastic experience because I got the chance to share the dressing room with players like Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram, while learning from coaches such as Justin Langer and Tom Moody. Being around such accomplished cricketers taught me a lot and helped me understand the standards required at the highest level,” he said.
A self-confessed fan of Rohit Sharma, Akshat revealed a light-hearted interaction with the Indian skipper that has stayed with him.
“Meeting Rohit Sharma was a special moment for me. One thing he jokingly told me was, ‘Don’t get out on the first ball.’ It was a simple comment, but it’s something I’ll always remember,” he said with a smile.
Looking ahead, Akshat stressed the importance of healthy competition in a cricketer’s journey.
“Healthy competition is extremely important. No matter what level you are playing at, you should always have the desire to improve and challenge yourself. That mindset is what helps players grow and move forward in their careers,” he concluded.
