By In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match on March 23, 2025, Mumbai Indians’ debutant Vignesh Puthur made an immediate impact with impressive bowling figures of 3/32 against the Chennai Super Kings. His performance on the turning track at Chepauk Stadium highlighted his potential and underscored Mumbai’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 2 in Malappuram, Kerala, Vignesh Puthur’s journey to cricketing prominence is a testament to perseverance and dedication. The son of an auto driver, Puthur’s passion for cricket was evident from a young age. Despite limited resources, he honed his skills in local tournaments, particularly excelling in the Kerala Cricket League, where his talent as a chinaman bowler began to shine.
Rise Through the Ranks
Puthur’s consistent performances in local leagues caught the attention of Mumbai Indians‘ scouting network. Invited to trials, his accuracy, ability to generate significant turns, and composure under pressure stood out among many aspirants. Impressed by his potential, Mumbai Indians secured him at the auction for ₹30 lakh, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.
Grooming for the Big Stage
Understanding the raw talent they had acquired, Mumbai Indians embarked on a structured development plan for Vignesh Puthur. In January 2025, he was sent to South Africa as a net bowler for MI Cape Town during the SA20 league. There, he had the invaluable opportunity to train alongside and learn from established spinners like Rashid Khan. This exposure not only refined his skills but also boosted his confidence. Upon returning to India, Puthur participated in the DY Patil T20 tournament, representing the Reliance team in three matches, further gaining match experience ahead of the IPL season.
IPL Debut and Performance
Puthur’s dedication culminated in his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings. Introduced as an impact substitute, he showcased his left-arm wrist spin prowess by claiming three crucial wickets, including those of seasoned batsmen Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. His spell kept Mumbai Indians competitive in the match, even as Chennai chased the target.
Praise and Recognition
Mumbai Indians’ captain, Suryakumar Yadav, lauded Puthur’s performance, emphasising the franchise’s commitment to discovering and nurturing young talents. He highlighted the extensive efforts of the scouting team in identifying promising players like Puthur, underscoring the spinner’s potential to be a significant asset in the future.
Vignesh Puthur: A Star in the Making?
Vignesh Puthur’s ascent from local leagues in Kerala to making a mark in the IPL encapsulates the essence of cricketing dreams realised through talent, hard work, and the right opportunities. As he continues his journey with Mumbai Indians, the cricketing fraternity will keenly watch his development, anticipating many more match-winning performances in the coming seasons.
