MI Debut:: Raj Angad Bawa played his first match for Mumbai Indians against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025.
Replacing a Legend:: He came into the side as a replacement for Rohit Sharma, who was sidelined due to a knee injury.
U19 World Cup Hero:: Bawa was instrumental in India's 2022 U19 World Cup victory, delivering a Player of the Match performance in the final against England with 5 wickets and 35 runs.
Unique Record:: He is the only Indian cricketer to take a five-wicket haul in the final of a U19 World Cup.
All-Rounder:: Bawa bowls right-arm medium-fast and bats left-handed in the middle order.
IPL Journey:: Previously played two games for Punjab Kings in 2022 before being acquired by MI for ₹30 Lakh in the 2025 auction.
Sporting Lineage:: Comes from a family with a strong sports background; his grandfather, Tarlochan Bawa, was an Olympic hockey gold medalist.
Why this matters:: Bawa represents the next generation of Indian cricketers getting exposure on the big stage. Injuries to established players, while unfortunate, pave the way for young talents to showcase their skills and potentially shape the future of the team.
Raj Angad Bawa's rise began with his standout performance in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup. His final heroics, combining a crucial 35 runs with a devastating spell of 5 wickets, cemented his reputation as a player for big occasions and earned him the 'Player of the Match' award as India secured their fifth title. He is often noted for his potential to become a pace-bowling all-rounder, drawing comparisons by some critics to Hardik Pandya.
His IPL 2025 debut came under challenging circumstances for Mumbai Indians, replacing the experienced Rohit Sharma against Lucknow Super Giants. While LSG set a formidable target of 204, powered by contributions from Mitchell Marsh (60) and Aiden Markram (53), MI's captain Hardik Pandya made headlines himself by becoming the first captain in IPL history to take a five-wicket haul (5/36).
Though Bawa wasn't required to bowl and didn't bat early in MI's chase despite early wickets falling, his role is anticipated to be that of a dynamic middle-order batsman capable of accelerating the scoring. His transition from U19 success to the demands of the IPL is keenly watched, offering MI depth in their all-rounder options.
Who is Raj Angad Bawa?
Raj Angad Bawa is an Indian cricketer, an all-rounder who bowls right-arm medium-fast and bats left-handed. He was a key player in India's 2022 U19 World Cup victory and made his debut for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025.
Why did Raj Bawa play for MI against LSG in IPL 2025?
He was included in the playing XI as a replacement for former captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the match due to a knee injury.
What are Raj Bawa's notable achievements?
His most significant achievement is being named Player of the Match in the 2022 U19 World Cup final, where he took 5 wickets and scored 35 runs. He is the only Indian to claim a 5-wicket haul in a U19 World Cup final.
Raj Angad Bawa is a promising young talent to watch in Indian cricket, known for his all-round abilities.
The IPL continues to be a platform where injuries to senior players provide opportunities for emerging stars.
Bawa's performance in the U19 World Cup final highlights his potential to perform under pressure.
Do you think Raj Bawa will live up to the hype and become a regular fixture for Mumbai Indians? Share your thoughts below!
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Source 1: Meet Raj Angad Bawa – India’s U19 WC final’s hero... (Livemint) target="_blank"
Source 2: What Is Raj Bawa's Role In The MI Team Against LSG? (OneCricket) target="_blank"
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