Sports
Mumbai Indians Sign Raghu Sharma as Vignesh Puthur Ruled Out of IPL 2025
Mumbai, May 1, 2025 – Mumbai Indians (MI) have brought in leg-spinner Raghu Sharma to replace left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur, who has been sidelined for the rest of IPL 2025 due to bone stress reactions in both shins. The move comes as MI, third on the points table, gear up for a crucial clash against Rajasthan Royals today.
Key Details of the Replacement
- Raghu Sharma’s Profile:
- Age: 32
- Domestic Teams: Punjab and Puducherry
- Record: 57 wickets in 11 first-class matches (avg. 19.59, best 7/56); 14 wickets in 9 List A games; 3 wickets in 3 T20s
- Recent Form: 14 wickets in 9 matches at Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
- Contract Value: ₹30 lakh (base price, RAPP list)
Vignesh Puthur’s Injury
- Cause: Bone stress reactions in both shins, sustained during the season.
- Recovery Time: 8-12 weeks, ruling him out of IPL 2025.
- Performance: 6 wickets in 5 matches (avg. 18.16, best 3/32 vs. CSK on debut). Puthur will stay with MI for rehabilitation under the team’s medical staff.
MI’s Spin Department Now
| Player | Role | IPL 2025 Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner | Left-arm orthodox | 7 |
| Karn Sharma | Leg-spinner | 4 |
| Raghu Sharma | Leg-spinner | 0 (yet to debut) |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Off-spinner | 2 |
Expert Analysis
- Irfan Pathan: “Raghu’s domestic numbers are solid. His experience could stabilize MI’s spin attack on turning tracks.”
- MI Bowling Coach Paras Mhambrey: “Raghu’s control in the middle overs is a big plus. We’re backing him to step up.”
Upcoming Fixtures for MI
- May 1: vs. Rajasthan Royals (A, Jaipur)
- May 4: vs. Gujarat Titans (H, Wankhede)
- May 7: vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (A, Hyderabad)
Sharma, previously a net bowler for MI, steps into a high-pressure role with the five-time champions riding a five-match win streak (12 points, +0.889 NRR). Puthur’s breakout season—highlighted by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube on debut—ends early, but MI’s deep spin options and Sharma’s domestic pedigree keep them in the playoff hunt.
