IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians’ Rising Star Vignesh Puthur Shines on Debut
Chennai, March 24: Mumbai Indians introduced a new star to the cricketing world on Sunday, as 24-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur made a sensational debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Playing against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the young cricketer from Malappuram, Kerala, grabbed headlines with his impressive performance, picking up 3 wickets for 32 runs in his four-over spell.
What makes Puthur’s rise even more remarkable is his journey from humble beginnings. The son of an autorickshaw driver, Sunil Kumar, and homemaker, K.P. Bindu, Puthur defied financial hardships to pursue his cricketing dreams. Despite never playing senior-level cricket for Kerala, Mumbai Indians spotted his raw talent and backed him with an IPL contract worth ₹30 lakh. On Sunday, he justified that faith in stunning fashion, dismissing key CSK batsmen, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda.
A Dream Debut on the Grandest Stage
Puthur was introduced as an Impact Substitute, replacing India captain Rohit Sharma in Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack. Though the team had set a modest target of 156, the young spinner made an immediate impact, displaying remarkable control, fearless flight, and deceptive variations.
His first big breakthrough came when he forced Ruturaj Gaikwad into a mistimed lofted shot, which was safely pouched at long-on. The wicket turned the tide momentarily in Mumbai’s favor. He then deceived Shivam Dube with a well-flighted delivery, leading to a catch near the straight boundary. His third wicket was Deepak Hooda, who attempted a slog-sweep but failed to clear the deep fielder.
Despite Mumbai Indians eventually losing the match, Puthur’s spell stood out as a major positive, earning him praise from teammates, fans, and cricketing legends alike.
The Journey from Malappuram to IPL Stardom
Puthur’s cricketing journey has been anything but conventional. Initially a medium pacer during his college days, he later transitioned into wrist spin—a decision that transformed his career. His talent started gaining recognition at St. Thomas College, Thrissur, where he pursued a Master’s in Literature while playing for the college team.
His big break came during the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), where he represented Alleppey Ripples and impressed scouts with his wicket-taking abilities. He also gained valuable experience in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), further honing his skills against top domestic players.
Mumbai Indians’ Eye for Talent
Mumbai Indians have a history of discovering and nurturing young cricketers. Over the years, they have unearthed talents like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Saurabh Tiwary. Puthur is the latest addition to this illustrious list.
Before making his IPL debut, Mumbai Indians provided Puthur with invaluable training opportunities. Earlier this year, they sent him to South Africa for the SA20 league, where he worked as a net bowler for MI Cape Town. There, he trained under legendary spinners, including Rashid Khan, who helped refine his skills further.
What’s Next for Vignesh Puthur?
With an impressive debut, Vignesh Puthur has announced himself as a potential future star in Indian cricket. Mumbai Indians will likely continue to back him, and if he maintains his form, he could soon be knocking on the doors of Kerala’s Ranji Trophy team or even India’s national T20 setup.
For now, though, Puthur will be focused on cementing his place in the Mumbai Indians squad and continuing to deliver match-winning performances in IPL 2025. His inspiring journey from a small-town cricketer to an IPL sensation is proof that talent and perseverance can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
As Mumbai Indians seek to bounce back in IPL 2025, they now know they have a rising star in Vignesh Puthur—one who could be a game-changer in the seasons to come.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indians 155/9 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 31, Suryakumar Yadav 29; Noor Ahmad 4-18, Khaleel Ahmed 3-29)
Chennai Super Kings 158/6 in 19.1 overs (Rachin Ravindra 65*, Ruturaj Gaikwad 53; Vignesh Puthur 3-32)
CSK won by four wickets.
