MI vs KKR | Angkrish Raghuvanshi on KKR’s Next Clash

MI vs KKR: 'We aim to start new again and set out to win this next game:' KKR’s Starboy Angkrish Raghuvanshi Previews the Next Clash

Mumbai, March 31, 2025: After a convincing victory over the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. KKR aims to secure back-to-back wins and maintain momentum as the tournament progresses.​

Angkrish Raghuvanshi: The Rising Star

At the heart of KKR's campaign is 20-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi, a right-handed top-order batter from Mumbai. Raghuvanshi first gained prominence during the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, where he emerged as India's highest run-scorer, amassing 278 runs from six innings. His performances included a century against Uganda and a crucial fifty against Ireland, contributing significantly to India's title-winning run. ​

Born in Delhi, Raghuvanshi moved to Mumbai at the age of 11 to pursue his cricketing ambitions. Training under the guidance of coaches Abhishek Nayar and Omkar Salvi, he honed his skills in Mumbai's competitive cricketing environment. His dedication paid off when he made his List A and T20 debuts for Mumbai in the 2023-24 season. KKR recognized his potential and secured his services for INR 20 lakh ahead of the IPL 2024 season.

Focusing on the Present

Reflecting on the upcoming clash against MI, Raghuvanshi emphasizes the importance of a fresh mindset:​

“We want to forget about the past results and focus on the game ahead. We aim to start new again and to set out and win this next match.” ​

Historically, KKR has faced challenges at the Wankhede Stadium, with a record of 5 wins in 17 matches against MI at this venue. However, last season's victory at Wankhede serves as a confidence booster for the team.

Team Environment and Learning

Raghuvanshi speaks highly of the atmosphere within the KKR camp:​

“It’s always a pleasure to work with such knowledgeable people and to learn from them. It has been a learning environment, and I'm enjoying it to the fullest.” ​

Under the leadership of veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane, who was appointed captain for the 2025 season, KKR fosters a culture of mentorship and continuous improvement. Rahane's experience, including leading India to a memorable Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21, adds depth to the team's leadership.

Goals for the Season

Looking ahead, Raghuvanshi outlines his ambitions:​

“First and foremost, get the 4th star. (4th trophy) That’s the main goal, and I aim to practice and work hard towards achieving that goal.”

KKR has a storied history in the IPL, having clinched the championship three times (2012, 2014, 2024). The team's focus remains on adding another title to their illustrious record.​

Mumbai Indians: Seeking Redemption

On the other side, MI is eager to turn their season around after two consecutive losses. Captain Hardik Pandya has called for improved performances from the batting unit, which includes stalwarts like Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Varma. Despite the strong lineup, MI posted below-par scores of 155 and 160 in their defeats by Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, respectively.

Pandya emphasized the need for the batsmen to take responsibility:​

“I mean, we all need to take responsibilities, and it's (at an) early stage. But at the same point of time, I think batters have to come to the party.

Key Players to Watch

The upcoming match features several intriguing player battles:​

• Hardik Pandya vs. Andre Russell: Both all-rounders are pivotal to their respective teams, contributing with both bat and ball. Their performances could significantly influence the match's outcome.

• Suryakumar Yadav vs. Sunil Narine: Narine's mystery spin poses a challenge to Yadav, especially during the middle overs. Their duel will be crucial in determining MI's batting success.

• Trent Boult vs. Rinku Singh: Boult's left-arm pace could trouble the aggressive Rinku Singh, particularly in the powerplay overs. This contest may set the tone for KKR's innings. 

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Wankhede Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly surface and short boundaries, often leading to high-scoring encounters. The pitch remains consistent throughout the match, favoring batters, while pacers can extract bounce early on. Dew in the second innings may influence the captains' decision at the toss, making chasing a preferred option.

Weather forecasts indicate a temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius at the start of the match, with humidity levels ranging between 39% to 52%. Despite some cloud cover, there is no expected rainfall, ensuring an uninterrupted game.