Sharma, hailing from Jalandhar, Punjab, began playing cricket at the age of 18, inspired by India’s triumphant victory in the 2011 World Cup. His path through domestic cricket has been marked by perseverance; he has represented teams such as Punjab and Puducherry and made his first-class debut during the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy season.

Key statistics:

• In first-class cricket, he has taken 57 wickets across 12 matches, including five five-wicket hauls.
• He was signed by Mumbai Indians as a mid-season replacement for the injured Vignesh Puthur in 2025.
• Since making his T20 debut in 2021, he has taken four wickets in four matches.

The momentous occasion of his IPL debut saw him receiving his maiden cap from MI captain Hardik Pandya. This recognition came after a significant transformation; documents show that Sharma lost between 30-35 kg to enhance his fitness levels for competitive cricket. In an interview, he remarked, “I weighed around 102kg. If you see my old photos on Facebook, two-three Raghus of today can fit into that Raghu.” His dedication to fitness reflects a broader trend among athletes striving for peak performance.

Moreover, Sharma credits legendary spinner Shane Warne as a pivotal influence in his career. He stated, “I started legspin by watching his videos. His ‘Leg Spin Tutorial’ is still there [on YouTube].” This connection to Warne underscores the impact of mentorship and inspiration in sports.

The Mumbai Indians faced Chennai Super Kings on this historic day for Sharma—a match that not only marked an important personal milestone but also added depth to the team’s bowling lineup. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new talent integrates into the competitive landscape of IPL 2026.

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