“Not all debuts follow the same script—and Raghu Sharma’s story proves exactly that.” His journey to the IPL began at age 18, spurred by the excitement of India’s 2011 World Cup victory. On May 2, 2026, he stepped onto the field at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, ready to face the Chennai Super Kings.
Handed his maiden IPL cap by Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, Raghu felt a surge of emotions—relief, joy, and disbelief. He’d battled through years of domestic cricket with Punjab and Puducherry, honing his skills as a leg-spinner. “I weighed around 102kg. If you see my old photos on Facebook, two-three Raghus of today can fit into that Raghu,” he said, reflecting on the transformation he underwent to reach this point.
His first-class debut came during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season. In just 12 matches, he claimed an impressive 57 wickets—including five five-wicket hauls. Yet, despite his talent, success didn’t come easy. He was signed by Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for an injured player in 2025. Since then, he’s taken four wickets in four T20 matches since his debut in 2021.
Key moments in Raghu’s journey:
- Started playing cricket at age 18 after being inspired by India’s World Cup win.
- Made first-class debut during the Ranji Trophy season.
- Joined Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement in 2025.
- Faced challenges with fitness—losing around 30-35 kg to improve performance.
His admiration for legendary spinner Shane Warne is evident. “I started legspin by watching his videos. His ‘Leg Spin Tutorial’ is still there [on YouTube]. I had a great desire to meet him because, in a way, he is my mentor – I still watch his videos before a match,” Raghu shared. This connection to Warne not only shaped his technique but also fueled his passion for the game.
The IPL stage is set for him now—a chance to shine under the bright lights and prove himself against some of the best teams in the league. With Mumbai Indians facing off against Chennai Super Kings, all eyes will be on Raghu Sharma as he makes his much-anticipated debut.
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