At 33, Raghu Sharma Makes IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians After Losing 35 Kilos and Studying Shane Warne

Key facts

• Raghu Sharma, 33, made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings on [date] at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
• Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bat first.
• Sharma was bought at the IPL 2026 auction for his base price of ₹30 lakh.
• He had played only four T20 matches before his IPL debut, taking four wickets.
• Sharma lost 35 kilograms after weighing 102 kgs at one point.
• He is an avid fan of the late Shane Warne and watches his videos before every match.
• Sharma made his first-class debut in 2021 and his List A and T20 debuts later that year.
• He started playing cricket at age 18 after India's 2011 ODI World Cup win inspired him.

A Debut Under Pressure at Chepauk

Mumbai Indians handed a maiden Indian Premier League cap to 33-year-old leg-spinner Raghu Sharma before their crucial match against Chennai Super Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Captain Hardik Pandya presented the cap to the debutant, who had never played an IPL game before. Both teams entered the contest in dire need of a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Super Kings had crushed Mumbai Indians by 103 runs in their earlier meeting this season, adding extra weight to the fixture.

From Jalandhar to the IPL: A Late-Blooming Career

Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, Sharma did not pick up a cricket bat until he turned 18. He was originally slated to study electrical engineering, but India's triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup ignited his passion for the sport. He made his first-class debut in 2021 and later that year played his first List A and T20 matches. His journey to the IPL was anything but conventional. At one point, Sharma weighed 102 kilograms; he shed 35 kilos through rigorous training. In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, he described the hard work required to lose the weight.

A Shane Warne Disciple at the Auction

Sharma has repeatedly cited the late Australian leg-spin legend Shane Warne as his idol, revealing that he watches videos of Warne before every match. Despite having played only four T20 matches and taken four wickets, the Mumbai Indians bought him at the IPL 2026 auction for his base price of ₹30 lakh. His selection reflects the franchise's willingness to invest in raw talent with unconventional backgrounds. Sharma's wrist-spin could prove valuable on a Chepauk pitch known for assisting slow bowlers.

A Must-Win Scenario for Both Sides

The toss went Mumbai Indians' way, and Pandya chose to bat first. Both teams are fighting to stay in contention for the playoffs, making every match decisive. The Super Kings' earlier 103-run victory over Mumbai Indians underscored the challenge facing Sharma and his new teammates. Notably, the match also saw the absence of Chennai's MS Dhoni and Mumbai's Rohit Sharma, both rested or omitted, leaving fans waiting for the return of the two legends.

What Sharma's Debut Means for Mumbai Indians

At 33, Sharma is one of the oldest IPL debutants in recent years, but his late start does not diminish his potential impact. His ability to turn the ball and his disciplined weight loss demonstrate a commitment that could inspire his teammates. If Sharma performs well under pressure, he may secure a longer run in the Mumbai Indians lineup. For now, his debut is a testament to the IPL's capacity to unearth talent from unexpected places.

The bottom line

• Raghu Sharma made his IPL debut at age 33 for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk.
• He was bought for ₹30 lakh at auction after only four T20 matches and four wickets.
• Sharma lost 35 kilograms after weighing 102 kgs and credits Shane Warne as his inspiration.
• He started playing cricket at 18 after India's 2011 World Cup win, abandoning plans to study electrical engineering.
• Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bat first in a must-win game.
• Both teams are fighting for playoff qualification; CSK had beaten MI by 103 runs earlier in the season.