“Not all debuts follow the same script—and Raghu Sharma’s story proves exactly that,” said the commentator as Raghu Sharma made his IPL debut on May 2, 2026, against the Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 33-year-old leg-spinner from Jalandhar, Punjab, has endured a long and challenging path through domestic cricket to reach this milestone.
Sharma began playing cricket at the age of 18, inspired by India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup. He played domestic cricket for Punjab and Puducherry and made his first-class debut during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season. In just 12 matches, he has taken an impressive total of 57 wickets, including five five-wicket hauls.
His IPL journey began when he was signed by Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur in 2025. After being bought at the IPL 2026 auction for a base price of ₹30 lakh, Sharma expressed his gratitude towards MI captain Hardik Pandya, who handed him his maiden IPL cap.
Key statistics:
- Sharma has taken four wickets in four T20 matches since his debut in 2021.
- He lost between 30-35 kg to improve his fitness for professional cricket.
- A fan of Shane Warne, he often watches Warne’s tutorial videos before matches.
As he stepped onto the field for his debut match against Chennai Super Kings, Sharma reflected on his journey. “I weighed around 102kg. If you see my old photos on Facebook, two-three Raghus of today can fit into that Raghu,” he shared. His commitment to fitness has been instrumental in reaching this level.
The Mumbai Indians faced stiff competition from the Chennai Super Kings during this match. Fans eagerly anticipated how Sharma would perform under pressure as he took to the pitch as a leg-spinner. His debut not only marks a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for many aspiring cricketers who face similar challenges.
