Raghu Sharma

Raghu Shivam Sharma is a seasoned Indian leg-spinner from Jalandhar, Punjab, who has recently garnered attention after being signed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) as a replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Sharma made his first-class debut for Punjab in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy and has since established himself as a reliable bowler in domestic circuits. In 11 first-class matches, he has taken 57 wickets at an average of 19.59, including five five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket match hauls, with best figures of 7/56. In List A cricket, he has played 9 matches, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 25.78, with best figures of 4/37. In the T20 format, he has 3 wickets from 3 matches at an average of 29.33. Notably, during the 2022/23 season with Galle Cricket Club in Sri Lanka, Sharma took 46 wickets at an impressive average of 15.71, ranking third in the tournament for lowest bowling averages.

Beyond India, Sharma has showcased his talent internationally. He played for Galle Cricket Club in Sri Lanka and for Longton CC in the UK’s North Staffs and South Cheshire League in 2023, where he claimed 48 wickets at an average of 13.08. At 32, his consistent performances earned him a spot in the Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025, marking his league debut after being signed at his base price of INR 30 lakhs from the RAPP list. Sharma is known for his economical bowling and variations that have drawn comparisons to spinners like Rashid Khan and Shahid Afridi.