NewsIndia

“Who was this late entrant?” asked observers as Raghu Sharma, a 33-year-old leg-spinner, made his IPL debut on May 2, 2026, for the Mumbai Indians against the Chennai Super Kings.

Sharma’s first appearance came after years of perseverance in domestic cricket. He was handed his maiden IPL cap by MI captain Hardik Pandya. His journey began unusually late at 18, inspired by India’s 2011 World Cup triumph.

Sharma has represented both Punjab and Puducherry in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season. Since then, he has taken 57 wickets in 12 first-class matches, including five five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls.

Key statistics:

• 57 wickets taken in first-class matches
• Five five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls
• 14 wickets in eight matches during the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy
• Four wickets in four T20 matches since debuting in 2021

Sharma’s breakthrough moment came in 2025 when he was signed by Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur. Before that, he had been associated with MI as a net bowler.

The Mumbai Indians entered this match struggling in the IPL 2026 season. They were placed ninth with only four points and a net run rate of -0.784 before facing CSK. Earlier in the tournament, MI suffered a significant defeat to CSK by 103 runs.

Sharma’s rise has been built on persistence. His story highlights the potential of late bloomers in cricket, proving that talent can emerge at any age.