Twenty-one-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi has revealed that he looks up to India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill for inspiration, particularly admiring his temperament, hunger for runs, and ability to convert starts into big innings.
Speaking about his admiration for the 26-year-old batter, Raghuvanshi described Gill as “one of the best players in the world” and emphasised how closely he observes his approach at the crease.
“Shubman Gill is one of the best players in the world. I can just learn a lot from him as to how he goes about building his innings, and he gets so many big runs, and his hunger to get more and more runs — I can learn that from him,” Raghuvanshi said while speaking to ANI.
Gill’s Impressive International Record
Since making his international debut in January 2019, Gill has established himself as a mainstay in India’s batting line-up across formats. The right-handed batter has accumulated 6,665 runs in 137 matches and 170 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 44.43. His tally includes 19 centuries and 28 half-centuries, reflecting both consistency and the ability to produce match-defining performances.
It is this composure under pressure and relentless appetite for runs that Raghuvanshi hopes to emulate as he continues to develop his own game.
Breakthrough IPL Journey With KKR
Raghuvanshi made a stunning debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the 2024 season for three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In his very first outing, he announced his arrival in style by smashing 54 runs off just 27 balls against the Delhi Capitals.
The 2024 season proved to be memorable not only for Raghuvanshi but for the franchise as well, as KKR lifted their third IPL title under the mentorship of former KKR skipper and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Reflecting on his early interactions with Gambhir, Raghuvanshi said the former India opener kept things simple yet impactful.
“He didn’t say anything to me specifically. He just said work as hard as you can, and we are going to win this season,” Raghuvanshi revealed.
When asked whether Gambhir lived up to his serious and intense reputation, the youngster offered a balanced perspective.
“His intensity was very good, and he was always talking about winning the tournament, which we ended up winning. I think we became better players because of it,” he added.
Growth Across Seasons
Raghuvanshi’s progression in the IPL has been steady. In his debut 2024 season, he scored 163 runs in 10 matches. The following year, he showcased greater maturity and responsibility, compiling 300 runs in 12 matches — underlining his growth as a dependable middle-order batter.
His performances earned him retention from KKR ahead of the 2026 season for Rs 3 crore, a clear vote of confidence from the franchise management.
U-19 Success and National Dream
Before making his mark in the IPL, Raghuvanshi was India’s highest run-getter at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, amassing 278 runs in six matches. The tournament served as a launching pad for his professional career.
Despite his rapid rise, the youngster remains focused on the bigger picture.
“I can’t say where I want to see myself a decade from now, but my dream is to win trophies for India,” Raghuvanshi stated, signalling his ambition to represent the country at the highest level and contribute to major international triumphs.
A Glimpse Into KKR’s Dressing Room
On a lighter note, Raghuvanshi also shared insights into the dressing-room atmosphere at KKR. When asked about the unofficial DJ of the squad, he named teammate Ramandeep Singh as the man in charge of music.
“I don’t think they will trust me with it so soon, but Ramandeep Singh is our DJ, and he plays the best music,” he said with a smile.
As Raghuvanshi continues to refine his game, drawing inspiration from established stars like Gill and learning under mentors like Gambhir, Indian cricket may well be witnessing the emergence of another promising talent with the hunger to succeed at the highest level.