Angkrish Raghuvanshi's century for KKR in practice game (Source:X)
As the excitement builds for the 19th season of the IPL starting March 28, preparations are already in full swing. Teams are sharpening their skills through intra-squad matches, and one such game from the camp of the Kolkata Knight Riders has grabbed major attention.
In a high-scoring practice match at Eden Gardens, KKR divided their squad into two teams, Golden Knights and Purple Knights.
The match turned into a batting spectacle, but it was 21-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi who stole the show with a sensational century, the first big hundred of IPL 2026 practice games.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi lights up KKR camp with stunning century
Batting for the Purple Knights, Angkrish Raghuvanshi played an unbeaten knock of 103 runs off just 55 balls. His innings was filled with confidence and aggression, including nine fours and five sixes.
Earlier in the match, the team led by Rinku Singh posted a strong total of 200 runs after batting first. Rinku Singh himself played a quick and impactful innings, scoring 45 runs off 25 balls.
Tim Seifert gave a brisk start with 30 runs, while Sarthak Ranjan added valuable runs with a quickfire 37.
The Purple Knights' chase did not begin smoothly, as captain Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed early. Finn Allen then provided momentum with a quick 23, but it was Angkrish Raghuvanshi who completely changed the game.
Also Read: KKR IPL 2026 Squad Analysis: Predicted Playing XI, SWOT And Expected Finish
Starting slow, Angkrish Raghuvanshi reached his half-century in 29 balls. After that, he shifted gears and began attacking the bowlers all around the ground and reached his century in just 55 balls.
It is important to note that, apart from Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR bowlers also showed remarkable performances in the absence of injured Harshit Rana.
In the practice match, Kartik Tyagi stepped up impressively, picking up three wickets in his four overs. Umran Malik also showed promising pace and rhythm.
Watch the video:
Will KKR include Angkrish Raghuvanshi in playing XI?
This remarkable innings has now created a big question for the KKR team management: How will KKR make place for Raghuvanshi in the playing XI?
With players like Ajinkya Rahane (captain) almost certain to play and overseas options such as Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Cameron Green also in contention, fitting the young batter into the lineup will not be easy. It will be interesting to see how KKR will use Angkrish Raghuvanshi in the XI.
It could be that KKR opens with Ajinkya Rahane, Finn Allen, and then Cameron Green, with Raghuvanshi at four. Followed by Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and, in the bowling department, Sunil Narine, Akash Deep, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
KKR's schedule in IPL 2026 first phase
Looking ahead, KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign with an away match against the Mumbai Indians on March 29 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They will then return home to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2 at Eden Gardens.
This will be followed by another home game against the Punjab Kings on April 6. Their fourth match of the season will also be at home, where they take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.
Also Read: Pakistan Cricket Announces New Competition Before 2027 World Cup
