In the bustling atmosphere of sports, Vignesh Puthur, a 24-year-old wrist spinner from Malappuram, Kerala, emerged as a standout star in the IPL 2025 season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, 2025. Introduced as the Impact Player for the Mumbai Indians (MI), Puthur made a lasting impression by taking three wickets, including that of the CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, in his very first over.
With nerves of steel, Puthur struck in his fifth delivery, sending Gaikwad back to the pavilion, caught by Will Jacks deep in the field. He then followed up by dismissing Shivam Dube, who misfired a loft off his bowling, caught safely by Tilak Varma. To seal his magnificent debut, Puthur also dispatched Deepak Hooda, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 32 in his four overs—a feat that sent ripples of excitement through his team and fans.
Puthur's career is a classic tale of perseverance. He was signed at a base price of Rs 30 lakh during the IPL 2025 mega auction after impressing the MI scouts through his performances at the youth levels in Kerala, including U-14 and U-19 competitions. Before transitioning to spin bowling, he started his cricketing journey as a medium pacer. His switch came when local cricketer Mohammed Sherif encouraged him to try wrist spin, a decision that would ultimately redefine his career.
While Puthur’s stint in the Kerala Cricket League saw him take only two wickets in three matches for the Alleppey Ripples, his raw talent began to shine through as he honed his skills in local tournaments, further establishing his reputation. In the Tamil Nadu Premier League, he gained additional recognition, demonstrating that he was ready to step onto the larger stage.
Although his debut against CSK ended in disappointment for MI, as they lost the match by four wickets, Puthur's performance was nothing short of spectacular. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra's solid innings for CSK contributed to a well-fought victory, but the emergence of a wrist spinner with Puthur's potential gave MI fans a glimpse of hope for the season. Known for his bold style, Puthur was unafraid to flight the ball and, according to commentator Harsha Bhogle, showcased a bowling speed in the high 70 kph range, reminiscent of spin sensations like Kuldeep Yadav in his prime.
After the match, Puthur received accolades from none other than MS Dhoni, further emphasizing the weight of his performance. Dhoni, the cricketing legend, acknowledged Puthur's contributions, stating, "He has the potential to be a star for MI this season." Puthur, reflecting on his experience, exclaimed, "I never expected to get three wickets on my debut!" His excitement and disbelief at his achievement resonated with cricket fans across the nation.
Puthur's journey from the streets of Malappuram to the grand stages of IPL 2025 illustrates the power of dedication and the importance of support from family—his father, Sunil Kumar, an autorickshaw driver, and his mother, K.P. Bindhu, who held steadfast in supporting Puthur’s ambitions against the backdrop of financial constraints.
The Mumbai Indians scouting team once again demonstrated its prowess in identifying young talent, with Puthur's signing marking another success story alongside legends like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. As Puthur continues to develop his skills, all eyes will remain on him as the 2025 season progresses, with fans and analysts eager to see how this remarkable young talent evolves in the league.
For Vignesh Puthur, his debut has not just closed a chapter but has opened new doors, and he seems more than ready to walk through them. As the season unfolds, the cricketing world is now watching to see how he adds to his legacy—one wicket at a time.
