“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,” said Raghu Sharma, reflecting on his intense training regimen that led him to make his IPL debut on May 2, 2026, for the Mumbai Indians against the Chennai Super Kings.
At just 33 years old, Raghu’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. He not only battled through a late start in cricket but also underwent a significant transformation—losing between 30-35 kg to pursue his passion. Inspired by India’s triumphant 2011 ODI World Cup victory, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of leg-spin bowling.
That context matters because it underscores the perseverance required to reach such heights in a competitive sport like cricket. Raghu’s first-class debut came during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season, where he quickly made a name for himself with impressive statistics: 57 wickets in just 12 matches, including five five-wicket hauls.
Key achievements:
- Made his first-class debut in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season.
- Took 14 wickets in eight matches during the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- Signed by Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for an injured player in IPL 2025.
The moment he received his maiden IPL cap from MI captain Hardik Pandya was symbolic. It represented not just personal achievement but also hope for those who dare to dream, regardless of age or background.
