In a remarkable start to the IPL 2025 season, Vignesh Puthur, a 24-year-old spinner from Kerala, made headlines not just for his performance but also for his humble demeanor. Playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI) against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their season opener, Puthur delivered a fantastic debut, snaring the wickets of key players Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. Although CSK eventually clinched victory, Vignesh's performance became a talking point after the match.
The match, held on March 23, 2025, showcased Vignesh's raw talent and determination, traits that catapulted him into the spotlight. Born to Sunil Kumar, an auto driver, and Bindu in Malappuram, Kerala, Vignesh had previously played in the Kerala Premier League but had never set foot in First Class cricket. His passion and persistence in pursuing a career in cricket are evident from his journey, which included trials with MI after an impressive show in the KPL.
During the match, despite CSK's strong start led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored his fastest IPL fifty in just 22 balls, Vignesh proved to be a formidable opponent. His bowling figures of 3 for 32 helped reduce CSK from a promising 78/1 to 107/4. This pivotal moment demonstrated not only his cricketing skill but also his capacity to handle the pressure of such a high-stakes environment.
In a touching moment, following the match, Vignesh displayed immense respect and gratitude by bowing down to touch Nita Ambani’s feet after receiving the 'Best Bowler' award. This gesture earned him admiration from fans and players alike, illustrating his humble nature in what can often be a cutthroat sport. “I never thought in my life I would play with these players. I am very happy. Team, we could've won. Thanks so much,” Vignesh shared after receiving his award, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.
The Mumbai Indians, known for their keen scouting, spotted Vignesh's potential during trials, where he impressed coaches with his ability to spin the ball and his variety, including a googly. Paras Mhambrey, MI's bowling coach, praised his unique skill set, noting that the franchise values potential over prior experience. “He spins the ball pretty consistently,” said Mhambrey. “That kind of stuff... he will be able to trouble quality batters with the skills that he has.”
Vignesh's rise is symbolic of greater opportunities for cricketers from Kerala, a region traditionally overshadowed by stronger cricketing states. His success story is one of perseverance amid adversity, resonating with many aspiring athletes. He comes from humble beginnings, practicing under coach Vijayan, who has been instrumental in developing his skills since childhood. Vijayan recollects, “Vignesh’s beginnings too were with pace bowling before he settled into life as a tweaker.” The fact that he has made it this far without having played for the state team speaks volumes about his dedication.
Finally, Vignesh’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration for many. His recent success has sparked conversations about the potential of Kerala cricketers on bigger platforms like the IPL, showcasing that talent can indeed emerge from unexpected places. Speaking to the media, his father expressed pride in his son's achievements, highlighting the family's journey: “When we saw him step out in Chepauk, we had tears.” Such sentiments resonate with fans who cherish stories of underdogs making their way in the competitive world of sports.
As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Vignesh Puthur, the young cricketer who not only lit up the field with his bowling skills but also won hearts with his grounded behavior. His journey is just beginning, yet it has already made a significant impact on the cricketing community and beyond.
