The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and on March 31, 2025, the Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This match was pivotal for MI, who were looking to bounce back after suffering defeats in their opening two games. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric as both teams aimed to secure crucial points in the tournament.
One of the standout players for MI has been 24-year-old Vignesh Puthur, a left-arm wrist spinner from Mallapuram, Kerala. Puthur made a significant impact during his IPL debut against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, where he showcased his talent by taking three wickets for 32 runs in his four overs, achieving remarkable bowling figures of 3/32. This included the prized scalps of CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda, which earned him a bowling average of 10.66 and an economy rate of 8.00.
Puthur's performance did not go unnoticed, and MI quickly recognized his potential, offering him a five-year IPL contract worth ₹30 lakh starting in 2025. His journey to the IPL was not an easy one; before making his debut, he served as a net bowler for MI Cape Town and had to impress the team management during his rookie sessions.
However, Puthur found himself benched in MI's second match against the Gujarat Titans, which sparked discussions among fans and analysts. MI's decision to drop him and fellow newcomer Will Jacks after their promising debut raised eyebrows, and calls for their return were loud as MI struggled to find form.
As MI prepared for their crucial clash against KKR, captain Hardik Pandya confirmed that both Puthur and Jacks would be back in the playing XI. "We needed to get into a good rhythm and kickstart our season. Having Vignesh back is crucial, especially after his impressive debut," Pandya stated at the toss.
In contrast, KKR made their own adjustments, bringing back Sunil Narine into their lineup for the match. KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the importance of maintaining momentum after their recent victory against the Rajasthan Royals. "We want to continue our winning streak and play good cricket," Rahane commented.
The match commenced with MI winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision influenced by the conditions at Wankhede. MI's bowlers, particularly debutant Ashwani Kumar, made an immediate impact, reducing KKR to a mere 116 runs in just 16.2 overs. Kumar's exceptional bowling performance saw him claim four wickets, while Puthur, who had a mixed outing, managed to secure one wicket for 21 runs.
Puthur's first over was costly, yielding 14 runs, but he rebounded well in his second over, taking the wicket of Harshit Rana and helping to restrict KKR's scoring. The bowlers' collective effort ensured that KKR's batsmen were back in the dugout well before the 20 overs were up, setting a modest target for MI.
In response, MI's chase was anchored by Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav. Rickelton was in sublime form, finishing the match unbeaten on 62 runs, while Yadav contributed a quickfire 27 runs off just nine balls. Despite Rohit Sharma's early dismissal, MI cruised to victory with a score of 121 for 2 in just 12.5 overs, sealing an eight-wicket win.
This victory was crucial for MI, who were desperate to turn their season around after a rocky start. The return of Vignesh Puthur to the lineup proved beneficial, as his bowling provided necessary breakthroughs, and his presence on the field was a morale booster for the team.
Post-match, MI's coach and Puthur’s mentor, CG Vijayakumar, expressed pride in his pupil's performance but also emphasized the importance of staying grounded amidst the early success. "With success comes stardom, but a cricketer’s career can also end in a couple of years. Vignesh needs to maintain that balance and focus on his game," Vijayakumar noted.
As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Vignesh Puthur and the Mumbai Indians as they aim to build on this victory and gain momentum in the tournament. With a strong showing against KKR, MI has set the tone for their upcoming matches, and fans are hopeful that this is just the beginning of a successful campaign.
In conclusion, the return of Vignesh Puthur and the emergence of Ashwani Kumar highlight the depth of talent within the MI squad. As the team looks to capitalize on this victory, the excitement surrounding the IPL continues to grow, promising thrilling matches ahead.
