Lakshya Raichandani scored a double-century of 240 runs against Australia Under-19 in the first four-day game of September, anchoring his position in red-ball cricket while adapting across all three formats. The right-hand opening batter spent September playing T20s in the Dehradun Premier League, where he averaged 124, before captaining India Under-19s to a 3-0 series sweep against Australia Under-19.
Lakshya Raichandani Balances Formats After September Centuries
The batter, who is not yet 18, looks up to Joe Root and models parts of his batting on the England player’s approach against spin. Raichandani stated that moving between formats requires adjustments to mindset rather than technique. “It’s not very difficult for me,” Raichandani told Cricinfo ahead of the second four-dayer in Ahmedabad. “If you get three or four net sessions before moving into a format, you gradually regain the touch and tempo required for it.” He noted that intent must change depending on match conditions.
Senior Cricket Experience Informs Under-19 Dominance
Raichandani made his first-class debut for Uttarakhand in the previous Ranji Trophy season. He accumulated 223 runs across five innings in four matches at an average of 44.60, hitting three half-centuries, including a top score of 55 against Karnataka in the semi-final. Comparing the levels of competition, Raichandani said senior cricket involves significantly more planning and experienced bowlers. “After playing senior cricket, Under-19 cricket feels a bit easier for me,” he said, adding that age-group bowling lacks the specific dismissal plans found at the senior level.
Touring Sri Lanka and Adapting to Spin-Friendly Wickets
During a tour of Sri Lanka in July, Raichandani recorded a double-century and a century across two four-day matches. His 207 in Galle came against a lineup of spin bowlers on pitches that offered little assistance to fast bowlers. He mentioned that practicing at international venues and adapting to local conditions beforehand helped the squad prepare their intent against spinners.
Early Training Roots in Gonda District
Hailing from the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, Raichandani received a toy bat from his father when he was five years old. His father, Rajesh Raichandani, recalled that the child hardly touched his other toys afterward and practiced by hitting a ball against a wall. Later, his family hung a ball from the roof with a rope for extended batting practice before enrolling him in a local academy at age eight. They eventually chose the GNG Academy in Haldwani in Uttarakhand, which led to him representing Uttarakhand in domestic competitions.
Vijay Merchant Trophy Run Precedes National Selection
Raichandani achieved 833 runs in seven innings at an average of 138.33 during the 2023-24 Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy season. His total included four centuries and two half-centuries, and was the highest that season, earning him the Jagmohan Dalmiya Award at the 2025 BCCI Naman Awards. During the same tournament, he claimed 13 wickets in eight innings bowling offspin. By age 17, he advanced to Uttarakhand’s Under-19 and Under-23 squads before his first-class debut in the 2025-26 season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakshya Raichandani
Which state team does Lakshya Raichandani represent in domestic cricket?
Raichandani plays senior and age-group cricket for Uttarakhand, having moved from Uttar Pradesh to train at the GNG Academy in Haldwani.
What was his highest score against Australia Under-19 in September?
He scored 240 runs during the first four-day match against Australia Under-19 in September, following a century in the final game of the preceding one-day series.
Which international cricketer does he model his batting against spin on?
Raichandani has modelled parts of his batting approach against spin on England batter Joe Root.
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