THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vignesh Puthur, a remarkable 24-year-old who hails from the humble beginnings of Perinthalmanna, made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with an impressive debut for the Mumbai Indians. In a high-pressure match against the formidable Chennai Super Kings, he took three significant wickets, securing a moment that will be cherished by his family and supporters.
Vignesh, whose father Sunil Kumar drives an autorickshaw and has faced numerous financial challenges in supporting his son's dreams, entered the field with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. “When we saw him step out in Chepauk, we had tears. He got here without making it to the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare,” Sunil reflected in an emotional statement, speaking to Sportstar after the match.
Vignesh’s journey to the IPL was not without its hurdles. Last year, he was notably excluded from Kerala's Under-23 squad for failing the 'Yo-Yo' fitness test, a physical benchmark that many aspiring cricketers must meet. At a young age, he struggled with asthma, which limited his ability to cope with demanding workouts—creating barriers in his pursuit of playing professionally. Yet, he harnessed this adversity to fuel his ambitions. His childhood coach, Vijayakumar C.G, emphasized how these challenges refined his determination. “Rough seas make a better sailor. Vignesh was nursing a lot of pain because when he had the chance to make it into the state U19 and U23 sides and bowl well there, he couldn’t. That feeling, that those around him had what he didn’t, kept him going,” his coach shared.
Despite the setbacks, the turning point for Vignesh came during the Kerala Cricket League, where he played for the Alleppey Ripples. He only had three games in nine matches, yet his exceptional talent shone through when a talent scout spotted him while he was practicing. One notable delivery caught the eyes of the Mumbai Indians talent scout, landing him an opportunity to trial with the team. Hardik Pandya, a seasoned player of the franchise, was impressed and supported his selection among the players eligible for the auction, where he was sold for INR 30 lakh.
The IPL debut itself was a grand affair, where Vignesh recognized the enormity of the stage he was on. Facing a well-established Chennai team, he emerged as a standout performer. After claiming three wickets, Vignesh received accolades not only from his coaches but also from cricket legends. In a special moment, the former captain M.S. Dhoni offered his congratulations—a gesture that left a lasting impression on Vignesh and his family.
Vijayakumar recalled his anxiety while watching the match unfold, reflecting on the skill and composure Vignesh demonstrated: “Vignesh showed the maturity equivalent of playing 10 IPL games. He dismisses their main batters. That first impression counts.” Under the guidance of MI's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, Vignesh is finding his footing among cricket's elite. Mhambrey stated, “Vignesh spins the ball pretty consistently. Lands the ball on pretty much what we wanted. Is pretty accurate.” These sentiments suggest that the young bowler not only has talent but possesses the potential to become a crucial player in the franchise's future games.
Vignesh's parents celebrated his achievements with immense pride, their quieter life transformed overnight into one filled with media attention and support from the community. Sunil remarked, “Club cricket is what most kids have done in this neighbourhood. Vignesh has gone beyond it all. He was very excited when he called us after the game. We only hope he keeps getting chances.”
In a region traditionally dominated by football, Vignesh’s success is a beacon of hope, possibly inspiring young cricketers in Kerala to pursue their own dreams in cricket. As Vijayakumar noted, this rise is significant amidst Kerala's challenging cricket landscape. “The opening of an indoor cricket stadium between Manjeri and Perinthalmanna was a game-changer. It meant teams could train and play, and batters weren’t off their routines due to the conditions.”
Reflecting on Vignesh's intricate journey, it seems clear that his story extends beyond personal triumph. It represents a significant shift, addressing the aspirations of aspiring cricketers in Kerala who may previously have felt overshadowed by other sports. Those who questioned the value of investing in cricket can now look to Vignesh's successful debut as evidence of the future potential for others. In a place where cricket coaching might seem limited, Vignesh Puthur stands as living proof that dreams can lead to spectacular realities in sports.
Now, with his first IPL match behind him, and many more to come, the cricketing world will be watching closely. Vignesh's journey illustrates that often, rising from the depths of hardships, is where the heart of champions is forged.
