When the Mumbai Indians needed a fresh spin option, they turned to raghu sharma cricketer, a seasoned domestic leg-spinner known for his tight line and deceptive googlies. This article covers his journey from Punjab’s Ranji Trophy squad to the IPL arena, the context behind Mumbai Indians sign Raghu Sharma as a replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur, and what this means for MI’s bowling attack.
Who Is Raghu Sharma?
Early Life and Background
Born on 11 March 1993 in Jalandhar, Punjab, Raghu Shivam Sharma grew up honing his craft on the pitches of Northern India. Standing at a compact frame, he learned leg-break and googly variations under local coaches before earning a spot in Punjab’s domestic setup.
Domestic Career Debut
- First-Class Debut: Sharma made his Ranji Trophy bow on 14 October 2017 against Chandigarh at Mohali, showcasing early promise with subtle flight and turn.
- T20 Debut: He debuted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Puducherry on 11 January 2021, adding a new dimension to his T20 bowling arsenal.
Domestic Record and Stats
With 57 first-class wickets at an average of 19.59 in just 11 matches, including a stellar stint in Sri Lanka’s domestic season, Sharma’s numbers underline his red-ball prowess and readiness for higher levels.
Bowling Style and Key Strengths
Leg-Break and Googly Mastery
Sharma’s stock leg-break is flighted to lure batsmen into false drives, while his googly—disguised by a similar arm action—frequently sneaks past the outside edge. This dual threat makes him particularly potent on turning tracks.
Variations and Control
- Flatter Slower Ball: Used in middle overs to stifle run-rates.
- Slider: Skids on to breach defensive gaps, especially effective against right-handers.
His command over length and variation sets him apart from many peers.
MI’s Strategic Move: Replacement for Vignesh Puthur
Context of the Injury
In early April 2025, MI’s wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur was ruled out due to a bone stress reaction in both shins, leaving a critical spin vacancy. Puthur had impressed with three wickets on debut, making his absence a significant blow.
Signing Details
As per the IPL’s official release, Mumbai Indians sign Raghu Sharma as a replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur on 1 May 2025 at his base price of ₹30 lakh. Raghu joins from MI’s support bowling group, marking his entry into the IPL main squad.
Impact on Mumbai Indians’ 2025 Campaign
Filling the Spin Void
Sharma’s addition bolsters MI’s spin variety, enabling captain Rohit Sharma to deploy two leg-spinners in tandem—an unusual but potentially game-changing strategy.
Match-Up Scenarios
- Versus Right-Handers: Googly and slider combos to restrict scoring through mid-wicket gaps.
- Versus Left-Handers: Leg-break drift away, tempting lofted drives for easy catches.
Comparison: Raghu Sharma vs. Vignesh Puthur
| Aspect | Raghu Sharma | Vignesh Puthur |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling Style | Leg-break & googly (classic) | Left-arm wrist-spin (chinaman) |
| Domestic Experience | First-class (57 wickets in 11 matches) | IPL debut only (3 wickets in debut) |
| Variations | Slider, flattener, topspinner | Flatter chinaman deliveries |
| Salary (2025 IPL) | ₹30 lakh (base price) | ₹50 lakh (retained) |
Data compiled from domestic records and IPL releases.
Beyond the Numbers: Player Profile Highlights
- Nickname: “Shivam” among domestic teammates.
- Role Model: Studies Shane Warne’s wrist position and release point (Instagram posts).
- Training Ethos: Known for extra hours in the nets, focusing on drift and dip through varied grips.
FAQs About Raghu sharma cricketer
Who is Raghu Sharma in IPL 2025?
Answer: Raghu Sharma is a 32-year-old Indian leg-spinner signed by Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement for Vignesh Puthur in IPL 2025.
What are Raghu Sharma’s best bowling figures?
Answer: His standout first-class spell is 6 for 45 in the Ranji Trophy, showcasing his wicket-taking ability on turning pitches.
Why did Mumbai Indians sign Raghu Sharma?
Answer: MI needed a reliable leg-spinner to fill the void left by Puthur’s shin injury; Sharma’s domestic track record and net-bowler familiarity made him the prime candidate.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Cricketers
- Master Variations: Develop at least two variations beyond your stock delivery.
- Consistent Length: Focus on landing the ball in the same channel to build pressure.
- Study Film: Analyze top leg-spinners like Warne and Anil Kumble for grip and release.
- Fitness First: Leg-spinners need strong core and lower-body conditioning to maintain control over long spells.
Conclusion
From his first-class debut in 2017 to his IPL opportunity in 2025, raghu sharma cricketer embodies the perseverance and skill every aspiring spinner needs. With Mumbai Indians sign Raghu Sharma as a replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur, he steps into cricket’s biggest domestic stage ready to make an impact. What do you think his best-over strategy will be in the upcoming MI match? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more on our Titans vs Royals IPL 2025: Suryavanshi’s 35-Ball Ton to stay ahead of the game!
