New Delhi, 20 February (H.S.): India's burgeoning cricket sensation, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, has swiftly established a distinctive reputation on premier platforms despite his tender years. Having led India's run-scoring charts at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2022, he subsequently showcased commanding performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. His prowess with the bat has recently shone brightly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Presented below are the salient excerpts from his exclusive dialogue with Sunil Dubey.

From the audacious youngster of IPL 2024 to a dependable cornerstone for Kolkata Knight Riders by 2026, how has your mindset and on-field composure undergone transformation?

I have mastered the art of adapting my batting technique to diverse match scenarios. Netting invaluable lessons from senior teammates and dissecting opposition strategies has been instrumental. While myriad paths lead to triumph—each cricketer wielding a unique arsenal—the paramount imperative remains the team's success. My perspective has pivoted resolutely from individual accolades toward collective conquest.

In what manner has Abhishek Nayar's mentorship elevated your cricketing acumen? Which counsel constituted the pivotal juncture?

No solitary precept marked a watershed; rather, he imparted sagacity encompassing both the sport and life's vicissitudes. By subjecting me to grueling training regimens, he propelled me beyond my comfort zone, forging the true inflection point of my career. He inculcated an abiding passion for cricket. My odyssey alongside him has been profoundly enriching, and I anticipate its continuance.

How has your tenure with Kolkata Knight Riders fortified your self-assurance?

Repose from a preeminent franchise inherently amplifies confidence. Concurrently, it imposes an augmented onus to reciprocate that faith through match-winning contributions. My endeavors are singularly directed toward maximizing value for the squad.

What were your impressions of cohabiting the dressing room with Rohit Sharma during the Ranji Trophy? What precepts did you imbibe?

Rohit Sharma's preeminent lesson resides in his meticulous preparation. Irrespective of fixture or adversary, he spares no effort in readiness. He orchestrates his innings with perspicacity—anticipating bowlers' stratagems, field configurations, and capitalizing on his forte strokes. Witnessing such rigor compels commensurate diligence from peers.

How do you calibrate your preparation when confronting world-class exponents such as Jasprit Bumrah and Rashid Khan?

Countering a bowler of Jasprit Bumrah's caliber is an exacting endeavor; he stands among the global elite. Exhaustive practice notwithstanding, engagements remain formidable trials. To surmount premier bowlers, one's regimen must mirror that intensity, thereby optimizing in-game efficacy.

Exemplars of AdmirationWho constitute your paradigmatic cricketers?

In my formative years, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli epitomized excellence. Contemporarily, Shubman Gill commands my profound esteem as my foremost role model.

What exhortation do you extend to burgeoning talents who revere you?

Practice with unrelenting rigor to the utmost of your capacity. Maximize your tenure on the turf. To excel in cricket, transcend mere participation—immerse yourself wholly in its essence. Only through such devotion will you derive unalloyed joy and attain enduring success.

How progresses your groundwork for IPL 2026?

At present, I represent Mumbai Under-23 with undivided focus on propelling the team to victory. Subsequent thereto shall ensue IPL-specific honing. Be it IPL or Mumbai colors, my lodestar remains unswerving: team triumph.

Your message for Team India in the T20 World Cup?

I harbor unwavering conviction in Team India's championship pedigree. Should victory ensue, the identity of the tournament's preeminent performer is inconsequential—the quintessential triumph lies in repatriating the trophy for the nation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar