Guwahati: Raghu Sharma of Mumbai Indians, right (PTI photo)

Punjab cricketer Raghu Sharma came into limelight during the high-profile match of IPL. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 2 May. While he did not start in the XI, MI captain Hardik Pandya confirmed at the toss that the 33-year-old leg spinner will act as an impact player in the second innings. Earlier, Sharma was handed his first IPL cap, marking a significant moment in his long domestic journey. Mumbai Indians made another change to their lineup with Krish Bhagat replacing Ashwini Kumar. Having struggled this season with only two wins from eight matches, MI entered the competition sitting ninth on the table with four points and a net run rate of -0.784. With MI hoping to respond after their heavy 103-run defeat to CSK earlier in the tournament, this fixture also provided added motivation. Sharma’s rise has been based on perseverance. The Jalandhar-born leg-break bowler has represented Punjab and Puducherry in domestic cricket. Since making his first-class debut in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy, he has taken 57 wickets in 12 matches, including five five-for and three ten-for. He further impressed in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 14 wickets in eight matches. In T20s, he has taken four wickets at an economy rate of eight in four matches since making his debut in 2021. His association with MI began as a net bowler, before being signed as a mid-season replacement in 2025, with the franchise retaining him as part of its long-term plans. At the time of toss, hardik pandya Decided to bat first. For CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad Making two changes, Gurjapaneet Singh was replaced by Ramkrishna Ghosh and Akil Hosein was replaced by Prashant Veer.