IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Sign Leg-Spinner Raghu Sharma as Replacement for Injured Vignesh Puthur
In a significant development for the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp, the franchise has announced the signing of leg-spinner Raghu Sharma as a replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Puthur, a promising talent, has been sidelined due to a troubling bone stress reaction in both shins, a setback that has ruled him out of the ongoing tournament.
Sharma, a 32-year-old right-arm leg-break bowler hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab, joins MI at his base price of Rs 30 lakhs from the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) list. This marks his much-anticipated IPL debut, a golden opportunity to shine on the biggest stage of T20 cricket and prove his mettle under the mentorship of MI’s esteemed coaching staff.
Bringing a wealth of domestic cricket experience to the squad, Sharma has represented both Punjab and Puducherry in India’s domestic circuit. His first-class record is nothing short of remarkable, with 57 wickets in just 11 matches at an outstanding average of 19.59. His career-best figures of 7/56 in the longer format speak volumes about his ability to dismantle batting line-ups with precision and guile.
In the limited-overs arena, Sharma has also made a notable impact. In List A cricket, he has scalped 14 wickets in 9 matches, with a best of 4/37, showcasing his knack for breaking partnerships. While his T20 experience is relatively limited, with 3 wickets in 3 matches, this stint with MI offers him the perfect platform to adapt to the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
As MI navigates a crucial phase of the IPL 2025 season, Sharma’s inclusion adds depth to their spin-bowling arsenal. With tricky pitches and fierce competition ahead, his variations and control could prove to be a game-changer for the five-time champions. Fans will be eager to see if Sharma can replicate his domestic heroics in the glitzy world of IPL, where every delivery is scrutinized under the spotlight.
Reflecting on this signing, questions arise about how quickly Sharma can integrate into MI’s strategy and whether he can fill the void left by Puthur’s absence. Mumbai Indians, known for their knack of unearthing hidden gems, will hope that Sharma’s experience and hunger for success translate into match-winning performances. As the IPL 2025 saga unfolds, all eyes will be on this debutant leg-spinner to weave his magic and contribute to MI’s quest for glory.