Mumbai Indians kicked off their IPL 2025 season with a loss against Chennai Super kings. However, the five time IPL champions did unearth a team in the form of Vignesh Puthur. The 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Malappuram made an immediate impact on his IPL debut. His performance not only left a lasting impression but also earned praise from MS Dhoni.
How did Vignesh Puthur find place in Mumbai Indians squad?
Vignesh Puthur is the son of the Autorickshaw driver who never played senior-level cricket for Kerala. Having started the journey as a medium pace bowler, Puthur turned to spin on the suggestion of Kerala cricketer Mohammed Sherif, a decision that changed the course of his career.
The youngster toiled hard in local leagues and college tournaments, Puthur’s performances for St. Thomas College in the Kerala College Premier T20 League and a brief stint at Jolly Rovers Cricket Club caught the attention of Mumbai Indians. Despite modest numbers in the Kerala Cricket League where he took just two wickets in three matches MI’s scouts saw potential in him. The franchise picked him up at the IPL 2025 mega auction for ₹30 lakh.
Vignesh Puthur’s performance on IPL debut
Having taken the field as impact sub for Rohit Sharma, Vignesh did give hard time to CSK batters with his left arm spin. Puthur, played a key role in disrupting CSK’s middle order His first big wicket was none other than CSK’s captain and star batter, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was caught at long-off by Will Jacks after trying to take him on. But that wasn’t all Puthur followed it up by dismissing Shivam Dube, a dangerous hitter, with a clever delivery that saw Dube miscue a shot straight into Tilak Varma’s hands at long-on. When Deepak Hooda was dismissed shortly after, Puthur had claimed three wickets on debut, establishing himself as a promising young talent.
