A fresh face made headlines at the Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants, as debutant Raghu Sharma delivered a memorable moment both with the ball and his celebration. Playing his first season, the young pacer picked up his maiden IPL wicket at the Wankhede Stadium, breaking a crucial partnership when LSG were firmly in control.
Raghu dismissed LSG middle-order batter Akshat Raghuwanshi at a time when the visitors were dictating the pace of the game. But it was what followed that grabbed attention. In a quirky celebration, Raghu pulled out a small piece of paper from his pocket and held it up, leaving teammates and fans amused. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav even tried to read the note mid-celebration, adding a light-hearted touch to the moment.
The celebration quickly reminded fans of Abhishek Sharma’s viral note celebration in IPL 2025, when he revealed a message dedicated to the “Orange Army” after his stunning century for Sunrisers Hyderabad. While Raghu’s message wasn’t immediately revealed, it certainly added personality to his breakthrough moment.
WATCH – Nicholas Pooran Smashes Three Sixes Off Will Jacks, Powers LSG In IPL 2026 Clash
On the field, however, it was LSG who dominated early proceedings. Openers Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis started aggressively despite a pitch offering some bounce due to a hint of grass. Their intent forced MI to quickly rethink its strategies.
#RaghuSharma makes a statement with that wicket 🔥
Years of hard work and belief are finally paying off. 💙🙌🏻#TATAIPL Revenge Week 2026 ➡️ #MIvLSG | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/hc4PVkY1Pc pic.twitter.com/QFbQB1OeRg
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 4, 2026
A very painful 15 years
By divine mercy of Gorudev ended today. Thanks Mumbai Indians (Blue and Gold) for giving me this opportunity. Ever grateful.”Jai Sri Ram🧿
A emotional message that Raghu Sharma wrote on the note, which he showed while celebrating after taking his first… pic.twitter.com/r4Xs6FDMWe
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 4, 2026
Suryakumar responded by introducing Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar as early as the third over, replacing Trent Boult. The move paid off as Inglis was caught by Suryakumar, offering MI a much-needed breakthrough.
However, the momentum remained with LSG. Marsh counterattacked brilliantly, even taking on Jasprit Bumrah for 21 runs in a single over, while Will Jacks also conceded heavily. By the end of the powerplay, LSG had raced to 90/1—their highest powerplay total of the season.
WATCH – Wankhede Crowd Erupts As Rohit Sharma Returns At Toss For MI vs LSG Clash
The decision to promote Nicholas Pooran to number three further strengthened their intent, as MI struggled to contain the flow of runs. Adding to Mumbai’s challenges, regular captain Hardik Pandya missed the match due to back spasms, leaving Suryakumar to lead in a high-pressure encounter.
