Young Indian cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi has apologized for making fun of star badminton player Saina Nehwal. In a viral video, Nehwal talked about how other sports like badminton and tennis are becoming more popular in India, a country without a strong sports culture. She expressed pride in the rise of Olympic athletes and mentioned feeling bad when cricket gets more attention than other sports.

Nehwal also compared the physical demands of other sports with cricket, saying that sports like badminton and tennis are tougher. Raghuvanshi didn’t like her comments and mocked her by suggesting she try facing fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s 150 kmph bouncers.

A few hours later, Raghuvanshi deleted his post on social media platform X and apologized, saying his remarks were meant as a joke.

Raghuvanshi’s apology for mocking remarks

“I’m sorry everyone, I meant my remarks as a joke, looking back I think it was a really immature joke. I realize my mistake and I sincerely apologize,” wrote Raghuvanshi on his X(twitter) account.

Saina Nehwal’s comments on cricket

“I did that, I feel it’s like a dream sometimes. I did it in India because there’s no sporting culture in India. Sometimes, we feel so bad that cricket gets that attention. What I have one thing about cricket is, if you see badminton, basketball, tennis and of course the other sports are so tough physically. You don’t even have the time to pick up the shuttle and serve. You’re like (imitates panting), 20 seconds of run you just breathing so hard. And the game like cricket gets that kind of attention where I think personally skill is more important,” Nehwal said in the video.

Raghuvanshi’s achievements in the Under-19 World Cup

Raghuvanshi, born in Delhi, became well-known after being India’s top run-scorer in the Under-19 World Cup 2022. The 20-year-old scored 278 runs in six innings, averaging 46.33, with one hundred and one fifty.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a platform for unearthing young cricketing talents, and the 2024 season is no different. One such talent to emerge on the scene is Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who made a stellar debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Delhi Capitals.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Stellar Debut for KKR

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, an 18-year-old prodigy, made waves in the cricketing world with his scintillating debut for KKR. Hailing from India, Raghuvanshi showcased his batting prowess with a remarkable fifty on his IPL debut, capturing the attention of fans and pundits alike.

See Also: Raghuvanshi impresses with 25-ball 50 on IPL debut; Netizens react

Batting at No. 3, Raghuvanshi exhibited maturity beyond his years as he took on the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack with confidence and flair. He scored 54 runs off 27 balls. His innings, consisting of 5 boundaries and 3 sixes.

Who is Angkrish Raghuvanshi?

Born in Delhi, Angkrish Raghuvanshi had his initial training in Gurgaon. Hailing from a family of athletes, Angkrish’s father, Avneesh Raghuvanshi is a former professional tennis player, whilst his mother, Malika Kapoor played basketball.

Raghuvanshi’s Background and U-19 Success

At the age of 11, Raghuvanshi relocated to Mumbai to pursue his cricketing dreams, determined to make a mark in the sport. His dedication and hard work paid off as he continued to hone his skills and excel in various cricketing tournaments. At the club level, he represented Mumbai’s Apollo Cricket Club.

Hailing from Gurgaon, Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s cricketing journey began at an early age. His breakthrough came in the 2022 U-19 World Cup, where he emerged as India’s highest run-scorer with 278 runs in just 6 innings, including one century and a half-century.

He was picked by KKR at base price in the 2024 auction and his childhood coach Abhishek Nayar is part of the team’s support staff. KKR bagged him for just 20 Lakhs. His inclusion in the team’s lineup proved to be a masterstroke, as he made an immediate impact with his explosive batting.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi with his childhood coach Abhishek Nayar.

Remarkable Performances in Domestic Cricket

Raghuvanshi’s impressive performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of selectors and cricketing experts alike. His stellar display in the CK Nayudu Trophy, where he amassed 765 runs in 9 matches, underscored his potential as a future cricketing star.

Angkrish made his senior debut for the Mumbai team last year, in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Haryana. He scored a 24-ball 26 in that match. A month later, he made his List A debut in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim, scoring 30 runs.

He has scored 138 runs in eight T20Is so far, whilst in List A cricket, he has accumulated 133 runs at an average of 26.60.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi, hailing from Delhi, made a stunning debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 clash against Delhi Capitals, leaving a lasting impression with his explosive batting performance.

Raghuvanshi’s Blistering Innings Against Delhi Capitals

In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Angkrish Raghuvanshi smashed a scintillating half-century off just 25 balls against Delhi Capitals. He scored 54 runs off just 27 balls. His innings, embellished with 5 fours and 3 sixes.

Youngest to score fifty for KKR in IPL
18y 237d – Shubman Gill vs CSK, 2018
18y 303d – A Raghuvanshi vs DC, today*

Highest score on debut innings for KKR in IPL
158* – B McCullum vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008
64 – Manish Pandey vs MI,, Abu Dhabi, 2014
58*- Owais Shah vs Deccan, Mumbai DYP, 2010
54 – J Kallis v CSK, Chennai, 2011
54 – Phil Salt v SRH, Kolkata, 2024
54 – A Raghuvanshi vs DC, Vizag, today*

See Also: Watch: 26 runs in 1 over; Narine’s sensational fifty against DC

Partnership with Sunil Narine

Raghuvanshi’s partnership with Sunil Narine, comprising a remarkable 104-run stand, proved to be the turning point of the match, as they dismantled the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack with their aggressive stroke play.

Highest 2nd wicket stand for KKR vs DC in IPL
108 – G Gambhir, RV Uthappa, Kolkata, 2017
104 – SP Narine, A Raghuvanshi, Vizag, 2024*

Netizens Reaction

The inclusion of Angkrish Raghuvanshi in KKR’s lineup added a fresh dimension to their batting order. His fearless approach and ability to perform under pressure showcased his potential as a valuable asset for the team. After this knock, cricketing legends and fans started applauding Angkrish Raghuvanshi on social media platforms. 

Raghuvanshi’s Background and U-19 Success

Born in Delhi, Angkrish Raghuvanshi rose to prominence by winning the U-19
50-over World Cup for India in 2022. His stellar performance in the tournament,
where he amassed 278 runs at an impressive average of 46.33, highlighted his
talent and potential.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s Promising Future

With his impactful debut and impressive performance in the U-19 circuit,
Angkrish Raghuvanshi has emerged as a promising talent in Indian cricket. His
ability to deliver under pressure and adapt to different situations bodes well
for his future in the sport.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s stellar debut for Kolkata Knight Riders has marked
the beginning of an exciting journey for the talented youngster. His explosive
batting and composed demeanor on the field reflect his potential to become a
future star of Indian cricket.

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