Vignesh Puthur Shines on IPL Debut with Impressive Performance for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians made a bold move in their IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings by bringing in 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, Vignesh Puthur, as an Impact Substitute. The young cricketer from Mallapuram, Kerala, made his debut in front of millions of fans, playing for the five-time IPL champions before even representing his state in senior cricket.
Puthur replaced Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma and instantly proved his worth by claiming figures of 3-32 in his four-over spell. His wickets included CSK’s skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. However, it wasn’t just the wickets that impressed everyone; Puthur’s ability to flight the ball and his clever variations troubled even seasoned batters, showcasing his control and skill.
Hailing from a humble background, with his father, Sunil Kumar, working as an autorickshaw driver, and his mother, K.P. Bindu, a homemaker, Puthur’s rise to the IPL has been nothing short of remarkable. He had to overcome financial constraints and relocated to Thrissur to chase his cricketing dreams. Initially a medium pacer, he transitioned to a left-arm wrist spinner later in his development and soon began making waves on the domestic circuit.
Puthur’s breakthrough came during his time at St. Thomas College in Thrissur, where he earned recognition for his performances with the Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Cricket League and the Tamil Nadu Premier League. It was his stint in the Kerala Premier League that caught the attention of Mumbai Indians’ talent scouts, leading to his purchase in the 2025 IPL auction for Rs 30 lakh.
To further enhance his skills, Mumbai Indians sent Puthur to South Africa earlier this year to train as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20. There, he had the opportunity to train with Rashid Khan, one of the best wrist-spinners in T20 cricket, which significantly contributed to his development.
Puthur’s debut performance is a testament to Mumbai Indians’ robust talent scouting system, which has consistently unearthed gems such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma. With his impressive start, Puthur has certainly given fans a glimpse of his potential, and both Mumbai Indians and the young bowler will be eager to build on this momentum for future success.
