Telugu Cricketer Satyanarayana Raju Makes IPL Debut with Mumbai Indians

Kakinada, India – Satyanarayana Raju, a young cricketer from Kakinada, made his highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) debut on March 23, 2025, playing for the Mumbai Indians against the Chennai Super Kings.

Born on July 10, 1999, Raju is a right-arm medium-fast bowler who gained recognition for his impressive performances in the Andhra Premier League in 2024 and the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy. Following a successful domestic season, he was signed by the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025 at a base price of ₹30 lakh.

The match against the Chennai Super Kings marked a significant milestone for Raju, as he had the opportunity to play for one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. His debut was met with high expectations, especially given the legacy of other Telugu players like Ambati Rayudu, Tilak Varma, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who have made their mark in the league.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Raju said after the match. “Playing for the Mumbai Indians and against a team like Chennai Super Kings is an incredible opportunity. I hope to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors.”

Raju’s entry into the IPL comes at a time when the representation of Telugu players in the league has been on the rise. His performances in the domestic circuit have shown promise, but it remains to be seen if he can maintain that level of consistency in the fiercely competitive IPL.

As the IPL season progresses, fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on Raju’s development and contributions to the Mumbai Indians. His debut is anticipated not just as a personal achievement, but also as a continuing legacy of Telugu talent in Indian cricket.