“If you see my old photos on Facebook, two-three Raghus of today can fit into that Raghu,” said Raghu Sharma, reflecting on his incredible transformation. The 33-year-old leg-spinner made his much-anticipated IPL debut on May 2, 2026, playing for the Mumbai Indians against the Chennai Super Kings.
Sharma received his maiden IPL cap from MI captain Hardik Pandya, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. Originally from Punjab, he has represented both Punjab and Puducherry in domestic cricket.
His first-class debut came during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season, where he took an impressive 57 wickets across just 12 matches. In limited-overs cricket, he showcased his talent by claiming 14 wickets in eight matches during the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Before joining the main squad of Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for an injured player, Sharma worked as a net bowler for the team. He has taken four wickets in four T20 matches since his debut in 2021.
Sharma’s journey to professional cricket is particularly inspiring. After being motivated by India’s triumph at the 2011 ODI World Cup, he decided to pursue cricket seriously. This decision led him to lose between 30-35 kg—a remarkable feat that reflects his dedication.
“I would go to the ground in the afternoon, in 45-46°C heat. No one else would be there, but I would keep running and running,” he recalled about his training regimen.
His love for leg-spin bowling was ignited by watching videos of legendary players. “I started legspin by watching his videos,” Sharma said, referring to Shane Warne as a key influence in his career.
The Mumbai Indians signed him for a base price of ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. As he steps onto the field for this prestigious tournament, fans eagerly watch how this late bloomer will perform against some of the best teams in India.
