Mumbai Indians face injury setback in IPL 2025
After a disappointing start to the IPL 2025 season, Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a strong comeback. The five-time champions now sit third on the IPL 2025 points table with 12 points and are just a win away from securing a playoff berth. However, in a major blow to their campaign, young bowler Vignesh Puthur has been ruled out due to injury.
The Mumbai Indians official website confirmed that Vignesh Puthur’s injury update was more serious than expected, sidelining him from the remaining matches of IPL 2025.
Who is Raghu Sharma? MI’s replacement for Puthur
In line with IPL replacement rules, Mumbai Indians have signed Raghu Sharma, a right-arm leg-break bowler, as a direct replacement for Vignesh Puthur. MI roped in Raghu Sharma for a base price of ₹30 lakh.
Domestic career and stats of Raghu Sharma
Sharma, who has previously represented Punjab and Puducherry in the domestic circuit, brings solid experience. In 11 first-class matches, he has taken 57 wickets at an impressive average of 19.59, with best figures of 7/57. His List-A stats include 14 wickets in 9 matches, with best figures of 4/37.
Though his T20 experience is limited, with only 3 games and 3 wickets, Mumbai Indians’ coaching staff sees potential in the 32-year-old leg spinner.
Fans can learn more on Raghu Sharma’s player profile via ESPNcricinfo, and he’s expected to make his IPL debut soon.
Vignesh Puthur’s performance before injury
Before the injury, Vignesh Puthur had impressed with 6 wickets in 5 matches, boasting an average of 18.17 and an economy rate of 9.08. His absence will be felt, especially in MI’s bowling lineup. Fantasy cricket users may need to consider Raghu Sharma as a replacement pick moving forward.
Dhoni and CSK feel the pressure
With MS Dhoni’s CSK struggling to stay in contention, the focus has shifted to teams like MI, who now appear strong contenders for the IPL 2025 playoffs. Fantasy league players are already eyeing Raghu Sharma as a potential asset.
Mumbai Indians Updated Squad for IPL 2025
- Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dheer, Corbin Bosch
- Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Robin Minj
- Reece Topley, Mitchell Santner, Ashwini Kumar, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Arjun Tendulkar, Bevan Jacobs, Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma
