Mumbai Indians came into the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) looking to restore some pride back, with their qualification hopes uncertain. However, in the absence of skipper Hardik Pandya, MI delivered an impressive performance in front of the home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium as they chased down the massive total of 229 with ease, thanks to a brilliant show by former captain Rohit Sharma.
Although, Rohit Sharma did give MI fans something to cheer about, but it was 33 year-old Raghu Sharma who truly grabbed everyone’s attention with his maiden IPL wicket, dismissing Akshat Raghuwanshi. The breakthrough came in the 13th over when Raghuwanshi stepped out to attack, but was beaten by the flight of the ball. As he tried to play it, the ball hit his pad, took a slight inside edge, and popped back towards the bowler. Raghu stayed calm and took an easy catch.
Raghu Sharma recreated Abhishek Sharma style-celebration
It was a career defining moment for Raghu Sharma, as he recreated Abhishek Sharma style-celebration by pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket, showing it towards the dugout leaving the stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah puzzled.
It was a career-defining moment for Raghu Sharma, as he recreated an Abhishek Sharma-style celebration by pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket and showing it towards the dugout,
leaving stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah puzzled.
The IPL broadcaster later shared what was written on the paper. It reflected gratitude and summed up 15 years of hard work that brought him to this moment. “Radhe Radhe. A very painful 15 years, by divine mercy of Gurudeva, ended today. Thanks, Mumbai Indians (Blue and Gold), for giving me this opportunity. Ever grateful. Jai Shri Ram.” the note read.
Who is Raghu Sharma?
Raghu Sharma, who hails from Jalandhar wanted to become an electrical engineer but Team India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup victory inspired him to pursue a career in cricket.
He began his journey as a pacer, but he switched to leg-spin on the advice of former India cricketer Madan Lal – who was then coaching at the Jalandhar District Cricket Association. That change eventually led him to discover Shane Warne, who inspired him and he started his journey.
He has played for Punjab and Puducherry, and even overseas team like Galle in Sri Lanka and Stoke-on-Trent in England. Raghu was dropped for a period of eight years from Punjab’s Ranji Trophy squad, and he finally earned his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians.
Before making his debut for IPL, Raghu also served as MI’s net bowler in 2025, and was signed as midway as an injury replacement for Vignesh Puthur. He was retained by the Nita Ambani-owned franchise in the 19th season of IPL and made his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings
