Ramakrishna Ghosh ends two-season wait with debut IPL wicket for CSK against Mumbai Indians

Key facts

• Ramakrishna Ghosh, 28, made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians on Saturday.
• He was bought for Rs 30 lakhs in the IPL 2025 mega auction and retained before IPL 2026.
• Ghosh had warmed the bench throughout IPL 2025 and the first half of IPL 2026.
• His first IPL wicket was Suryakumar Yadav, caught at sweeper cover.
• Ghosh has 21 wickets in 11 List A matches and 2 wickets in 9 T20s.
• He scored 246 runs in 11 List A games, including a 73 against Punjab in VHT 2025/26.
• He took a 7-wicket haul (7/42) for Maharashtra against Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year.

A debut two seasons in the making

Ramakrishna Ghosh finally stepped onto the IPL field for Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, ending a wait that stretched across two seasons. The 28-year-old all-rounder from Maharashtra was handed his debut against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He had been with CSK since the IPL 2025 mega auction, where the five-time champions bought him for Rs 30 lakhs, and was retained ahead of the 2026 edition. Yet he spent the entire 2025 season and the first half of 2026 on the bench.

Instant impact: Suryakumar Yadav falls to Ghosh

Ghosh made his presence felt immediately, claiming the prized wicket of Suryakumar Yadav as his first in the IPL. The Indian T20I captain attempted a big hit but failed to clear the infield, caught at sweeper cover. Ghosh celebrated by pointing to the sky as Yadav departed. Mumbai Indians had won the toss and elected to bat first, getting off to an electrifying start in the powerplay before losing wickets in quick succession, with Ghosh among the wicket-takers.

From List A to IPL: Ghosh's cricketing journey

Ghosh made his List A debut in 2023 and his T20 debut in 2022, steadily developing his game. In List A cricket, he has taken 21 wickets from 11 matches and scored 246 runs, including a 73-run knock against Punjab in his first game of the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His T20 numbers are less impressive, with just 2 wickets from 9 games, but he has shown greater prowess in red-ball cricket. He is a right-handed fast bowling all-rounder and a regular for Maharashtra across all formats.

A warning shot: seven-wicket haul in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Ghosh put CSK on notice last year with a devastating spell in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Playing for Maharashtra against Punjab, he finished with figures of 7 wickets for 42 runs in 9.2 overs. That performance remains his best in List A cricket and underscored his potential as a wicket-taking option. It likely played a role in CSK finally giving him an opportunity in the IPL.

What Ghosh's debut means for CSK's campaign

Ghosh's emergence gives CSK a new bowling option in the middle overs, especially on spin-friendly Chennai tracks. His ability to contribute with the bat adds depth to the lower order. With the IPL 2026 season progressing, his performance against a strong Mumbai Indians batting lineup could earn him a more regular role. The franchise invested in him early, and his debut suggests they see him as a long-term asset.

The bottom line

• Ramakrishna Ghosh made his IPL debut for CSK after two seasons on the bench, taking the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav.
• He was bought for Rs 30 lakhs in the 2025 mega auction and retained for 2026.
• Ghosh has strong List A numbers: 21 wickets and 246 runs in 11 matches.
• His best bowling performance is 7/42 for Maharashtra against Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
• The 28-year-old is a right-handed fast bowling all-rounder and a regular for Maharashtra.
• His debut could signal increased opportunities for him in CSK's lineup.