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Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) struck a heavy blow after their young left-arm wrist-spinner, Vignesh Puthur, was ruled out of the season due to bone stress reactions in both of his shins. Meanwhile, another young sensation from Punjab’s Jalandhar, Raghu Sharma, is all set to replace him. Raghu was part of MI’s support bowlers and has now transitioned into the main squad. Let’s dive into some interesting facts about MI’s new spin charm, Raghu:
5 interesting facts about Raghu Sharma
1. Multi-format domestic player
Sharma has played all three major domestic formats for Punjab and Puducherry, making his first-class debut during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy, followed by his List A debut in 2021 and T20 debut in the 2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has also played in T10 and T12 tournaments in Puducherry, showcasing his versatility across formats.
2. Multi-state representations
Sharma has represented both Punjab and Puducherry in domestic cricket — a testament to his adaptability and skill. He has also participated in trials and served as a net bowler for IPL teams like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), gaining valuable exposure to elite cricketing environments. Additionally, he has been associated with other state teams, including Tamil Nadu and Vidarbha.
3. Mentorship under Madan Lal
Coached by former Indian Test cricketer Madan Lal at the Jalandhar District Cricket Academy, Raghu honed his craft under expert guidance. This mentorship played a crucial role in shaping his disciplined approach and technical proficiency which led to contributing significantly to his domestic success.
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4. Impressive first-class record
In just 11 first-class matches, Sharma has taken 57 wickets at an impressive average of 19.59, with best bowling figures of 7/56. His tight lines and ability to deceive batters with quicker deliveries have even drawn his comparisons to Afghan spin wizard Rashid Khan.
5. IPL breakthrough with Mumbai Indians
In 2025, Raghu achieved a major career milestone by joining Mumbai Indians as a replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur. Transitioning from a support bowler to a main squad member marked the fulfillment of a long-awaited IPL dream, especially after previously serving as a net bowler for both MI and CSK.
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