Raghu Sharma Profile, Career & Stats

Raghu Sharma is an Indian leg-spin bowler who represents Punjab and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Born on 11 March 1993 in Jalandhar, Punjab, Sharma’s rise in professional cricket is a story of persistence and late success. 

Unlike most professional cricketers who start young, Sharma began playing competitive cricket seriously only in his early twenties after completing his education. 

Known for his leg-breaks, googlies and disciplined control, he gradually built a reputation as a wicket-taking spinner in domestic tournaments. 

His steady performances eventually earned him opportunities as a net bowler with several IPL franchises and even the Indian national team, before finally breaking into the IPL when Mumbai Indians signed him as an injury replacement in 2025.

Raghu Sharma’s Early Life and Background

Raghu Sharma was born in Jalandhar, a city well known for producing prominent Indian cricketers, including legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. 

His journey into cricket was unconventional compared with that of many professional players. Sharma initially focused on academics, completing a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering before pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Science.

He only began taking cricket seriously around the age of 20, but his natural ability as a leg-spinner quickly caught the attention of coaches. Within a year of starting competitive cricket, he was selected for a specialist BCCI spinners’ academy camp. 

His control and accuracy also earned him opportunities as a net bowler for the Indian national team.

Raghu Sharma’s Domestic Career

A leg-spinner who came into professional cricket relatively late, Sharma initially struggled for consistent opportunities in Punjab’s lineup and later moved to Puducherry in search of regular game time. This move proved pivotal for his development.

Between 2021 and 2024, while representing Puducherry, Sharma enjoyed the most productive phase of his red-ball career. It was during this period that he emerged as a genuine wicket-taking spinner, delivering several match-winning performances. 

Following his strong performances, Sharma returned to his home state and rejoined Punjab for the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season.

Raghu Sharma’s IPL Career

Raghu Sharma’s IPL breakthrough came after several years of hard work in domestic cricket and as a net bowler for multiple franchises. 

In 2025, the MI signed him as a mid-season replacement for injured spinner Vignesh Puthur. Although initially brought into the squad as a backup option, the move marked a significant milestone as he played a couple of matches in IPL 2026. 

(As of June 2026)