Raghu sharma
“Not all debuts follow the same script—and Raghu Sharma’s story proves exactly that.” This statement encapsulates the remarkable journey of Raghu Sharma, a 33-year-old leg-spinner who made his IPL debut on May 2, 2026, against the Chennai Super Kings.
Sharma’s path to the IPL was anything but straightforward. He began playing cricket at the age of 18, inspired by India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup. Since then, he has dedicated himself to honing his skills in domestic cricket, representing both Punjab and Puducherry.
Key milestones in Raghu’s career:
- Made first-class debut during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season.
- Took 57 wickets in just 12 first-class matches, including five five-wicket hauls.
- Signed by Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for an injured player in 2025.
- Secured four wickets in four T20 matches since debuting in 2021.
Raghu received his maiden IPL cap from MI captain Hardik Pandya. His impressive performance in domestic leagues caught the attention of IPL scouts. He was bought at the IPL 2026 auction for a base price of ₹30 lakh. This investment reflects the confidence placed in him by the franchise.
Sharma’s transformation also involved significant personal dedication; he lost between 30 to 35 kg to enhance his fitness for cricket. He stated, “I weighed around 102kg. If you see my old photos on Facebook, two-three Raghus of today can fit into that Raghu.” His commitment to fitness demonstrates how seriously he approached this opportunity.
As a fan of Shane Warne, Sharma credits much of his leg-spin technique to watching Warne’s tutorial videos. He remarked, “I started legspin by watching his videos. His ‘Leg Spin Tutorial’ is still there [on YouTube].” This admiration highlights how mentorship can influence aspiring athletes.
The Mumbai Indians are counting on Raghu to make a significant impact this season as they face tough competition from teams like Chennai Super Kings. With his debut now behind him, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs under pressure.