Raj Bawa Makes IPL 2025 Debut for Mumbai Indians, Replaces Injured Rohit Sharma

Raj Angad Bawa, a 22-year-old cricketer from Himachal Pradesh, made his debut for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. The young all-rounder was brought into the playing XI to replace former captain Rohit Sharma, who is currently out due to a knee injury.

A Promising Start Rooted in U-19 World Cup Glory

Bawa, who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm pace, first gained national attention during the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.

In the final against England, Bawa delivered a standout performance with a five-wicket haul and a vital 35-run knock, earning him the Player of the Match award. That match also made him the only Indian player to take five wickets in an ICC final.

Early Career and Domestic Performance

In domestic cricket, Bawa represents Chandigarh. He has played 11 first-class matches, scoring 633 runs including a century, and has taken 13 wickets.

His career also includes 11 List A games and 20 T20 matches, with two four-wicket hauls in List A cricket. Known for his all-round skills, Bawa is often compared to Hardik Pandya and is seen as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket.

IPL Journey: From Punjab Kings to Mumbai Indians

Bawa’s IPL journey began in 2022 when he played two games for Punjab Kings. Although he was retained in 2023, he did not get a chance to feature in any matches that season.

Ahead of IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians signed him at the auction for ₹30 lakh, providing him with a new opportunity to prove his mettle on the big stage.

Replacing Rohit Sharma Amid Form and Injury Concerns

Rohit Sharma, who has not had a good start to IPL 2025, was sidelined due to a knee issue.

In the three matches he played this season, Rohit averaged just 7.00, a statistic that raised concerns within the Mumbai Indians’ camp. In his absence, skipper Hardik Pandya brought in Raj Bawa for the match against Lucknow Super Giants.

Mumbai Indians’ Playing XI vs Lucknow Super Giants

The playing XI for the match included:
Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton (w), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur, and Trent Boult.

Making his debut for Mumbai Indians at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Bawa was unable to fully showcase his skills as MI lost the match by 12 runs to Lucknow Super Giants.

A Sporting Legacy Runs in the Family

Raj Bawa’s inspiration extends beyond cricket. He is the grandson of Tarlochan Bawa, a member of India’s historic 1948 Olympic gold-winning hockey team.

That victory marked India’s first Olympic gold as an independent nation. Although Raj was only five when his grandfather passed away, the stories about him and the presence of the gold medal in their home left a strong impact.

“I don’t have many memories of my grandfather because I was a kid when he died,” Raj shared with The Indian Express. “But I’ve heard his stories from my grandmother and my father. They’ll stay with me forever.”

For Raj, the Olympic medal isn’t just a family heirloom but a symbol of greatness. “Whenever I see that gold medal, it gives me goosebumps. I can only imagine how important an achievement it must have been,” he said.

Eyeing a Bright Future in Cricket

Raj Bawa’s story is a blend of raw talent and rich heritage. With a U-19 World Cup medal in hand and now an IPL debut with Mumbai Indians, he continues to strive to carve out his place in Indian cricket.

Critics and analysts alike have high expectations from him, with many labeling him as the “next Hardik Pandya” due to his explosive batting and pace bowling skills.

Despite Mumbai Indians’ defeat in the match, Bawa’s inclusion in the squad marks the beginning of a new chapter in his IPL journey.

As the tournament progresses, fans and selectors will be watching closely to see how he capitalizes on this opportunity and fulfills the legacy he carries both on and off the field.