Raghu Sharma takes maiden IPL wicket; Jayawardene hails 33-year-old's journey from net bowler
Synopsis
From net bowler to match-day impact: Raghu Sharma's 15-year wait for an IPL breakthrough ended at the Wankhede, where the 33-year-old claimed his maiden wicket against LSG. Coach Mahela Jayawardene's praise underscores a journey built on relentless hard work and an unwavering commitment to the craft—a rare redemption arc in modern cricket.
Key Takeaways
Raghu Sharma , aged 33 , claimed his maiden IPL wicket on 5 May against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium .
Mumbai Indians chased down 229 runs in 18.4 overs —their highest-ever successful chase at the venue—powered by Rohit Sharma's 84 and Ryan Rickelton's 83 .
Raghu's spell: 4 overs, 36 runs, 1 wicket (dismissing Akshat Raghuvanshi ).
Coach Mahela Jayawardene highlighted Raghu's journey from net bowler last season to debut this year, crediting his work ethic during a training stint in Sri Lanka .
Raghu carried a handwritten note celebrating the end of a "very painful 15 years," reflecting his long wait for an IPL opportunity.
Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene on 5 May praised 33-year-old spinner Raghu Sharma after he claimed his maiden IPL wicket against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium, underscoring the bowler's remarkable ascent from net bowler to match-day contributor. The breakthrough came during MI's six-wicket victory, where the hosts chased down a 229-run target in 18.4 overs—their highest-ever successful chase at the venue.
How MI sealed the chase
The victory was powered by a dominant 143-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma (84 off 52 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (83). LSG had posted 228 for 5, with Nicholas Pooran striking an aggressive 63 off 21 balls. Despite the steep target, MI's openers dismantled the chase with controlled aggression.
Raghu's breakthrough moment
The spinner delivered a composed spell, returning figures of 4-0-36-1 with his maiden wicket coming off Akshat Raghuvanshi in the middle overs—a key breakthrough that helped MI consolidate their position. Upon claiming the wicket, Raghu pulled out a handwritten note from his pocket and celebrated, revealing a deeply personal message: "A very painful 15 years. By the divine mercy of Gurudev ended today. Thanks, Mumbai Indians (Blue and Gold), for giving me this opportunity. Ever grateful."
The journey from net bowler to match-day impact
Jayawardene detailed Raghu's relentless work ethic in a video message released by the franchise on X. "You guys remember he was a net bowler last year, worked really hard, got into the squad, never stopped working hard. He came to Sri Lanka; some people don't know he came for a 10-day camp. He wasn't bowling well, so he worked even harder in Colombo in that hot sun," the former Sri Lanka captain said. Jayawardene added that Raghu had committed to returning stronger this season—a promise now being fulfilled.
A delayed debut and quick impact
Raghu came in as a replacement for Vignesh Puthur in IPL 2025 but did not feature in any match that season. He made his debut on Saturday against Chennai Super Kings, returning wicketless. This fixture against LSG marked his second appearance, and his maiden breakthrough underscores the delayed-gratification narrative that has defined his career arc.
What's next
MI will look to consolidate their position in the tournament standings with Raghu now a proven match-day option. His breakthrough adds depth to the franchise's spin arsenal and validates the patience shown by the coaching staff in nurturing a late-career bloomer.
Point of View
After 15 years of chasing opportunity, he has proven that persistence and craft can still carve a lane in a tournament designed for the young and the gifted. Jayawardene's public endorsement matters because it signals that MI values the intangible: a strong mind and a big heart. In an IPL increasingly defined by auction prices and overnight stardom, Raghu's arc is a quiet rebellion.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Raghu Sharma and why is his IPL wicket significant?
Raghu Sharma is a 33-year-old spinner who claimed his maiden IPL wicket on 5 May against Lucknow Super Giants. His breakthrough is significant because it came after 15 years of pursuing an IPL opportunity, having worked as a net bowler for Mumbai Indians in the previous season. He dismissed Akshat Raghuvanshi and returned figures of 4-0-36-1.
What did Mahela Jayawardene say about Raghu Sharma?
Jayawardene praised Raghu's relentless work ethic, recalling how he worked as a net bowler last year, was selected for the squad, and then attended a 10-day training camp in Sri Lanka where he worked even harder despite initial struggles. Jayawardene said: "A strong mind and a big heart, well done."
How did Mumbai Indians win against Lucknow Super Giants?
Mumbai Indians chased down a 229-run target in 18.4 overs—their highest-ever successful chase at the Wankhede Stadium. The victory was powered by a 143-run opening partnership between Rohit Sharma (84) and Ryan Rickelton (83), dismantling LSG's total of 228 for 5.
What was the note Raghu Sharma held after taking his wicket?
After dismissing Akshat Raghuvanshi, Raghu pulled out a handwritten note from his pocket that read: "A very painful 15 years. By the divine mercy of Gurudev ended today. Thanks, Mumbai Indians (Blue and Gold), for giving me this opportunity. Ever grateful."
Is this Raghu Sharma's first IPL match?
No. Raghu made his IPL debut on Saturday against Chennai Super Kings, where he returned wicketless. The match against Lucknow Super Giants on 5 May was his second appearance, where he claimed his maiden breakthrough.
