In the glitzy world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where established stars often overshadow newcomers, one young cricketer has managed to capture attention with his remarkable debut performance. Vignesh Puthur, a 24-year-old chinaman bowler from Malappuram, Kerala, made waves during the IPL 2025 game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chepauk. With an impressive bowling figure of 3/32 against a star-studded CSK lineup, Vignesh’s journey from humble beginnings to the IPL stage is both inspiring and captivating.
Vignesh Puthur’s humble beginning
Vignesh’s story is rooted in resilience and determination. Born on March 2, 2001, he is the son of Sunil Kumar, an auto-rickshaw driver, and K.P. Bindhu, a homemaker. Despite financial constraints, his family provided unwavering support for his cricketing aspirations. Vignesh pursued his education at St. Thomas College in Thrissur, where he balanced his studies—currently a Master of Arts in Literature—with his passion for cricket. His journey began as a medium pacer before transitioning to spin bowling under the guidance of local cricketer Mohammed Sherif.
MI’s scouting process
Vignesh’s rise to prominence can be traced back to his performances in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), where he showcased his talent and caught the eye of MI’s scouting team. During the IPL auction in 2025, MI secured him for a base price of ₹30 lakh, despite him not having played at the senior level for Kerala. This decision reflects MI’s commitment to identifying potential talent beyond traditional pathways.
The Mumbai Indians have long been recognized for their robust scouting system, which has previously unearthed gems like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Nita Ambani, the franchise’s founder-chairperson, has emphasized the importance of scouting raw talent through domestic competitions. Vignesh’s selection exemplifies this philosophy as MI aim to build a strong team by nurturing young players.
Vignesh’s trains with MI legends
Following his acquisition, Vignesh was invited to join MI Cape Town as a net bowler during the SA20 tournament in South Africa. This opportunity allowed him to train alongside some of the game’s best spinners, including Rashid Khan. The experience proved invaluable as he honed his skills and gained confidence in high-pressure situations. Returning to India, he participated in practice matches and simulations under the watchful eyes of MI’s coaching staff.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey recognized Vignesh’s potential during these sessions. Mhambrey noted that feedback from established players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav further solidified their decision to include him in the playing XI against CSK.
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Vignesh makes an impact on his IPL debut
When Vignesh took the field as an Impact Player for MI against CSK, he faced immense pressure but delivered with poise. He struck early by dismissing CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in his first over, followed by key wickets of Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda. His ability to maintain composure under pressure impressed both teammates and fans alike.
Vignesh’s performance not only earned him accolades but also garnered attention from cricket legends like MS Dhoni, who acknowledged his talent after the match. The young spinner’s debut has sparked excitement among MI supporters and cricket enthusiasts who are eager to see how he develops throughout the season.
Vignesh embodies the spirit of perseverance and hard work that defines many successful athletes. His journey from a small town in Kerala to representing one of IPL’s most prestigious franchises is a testament to his dedication and skill. As he continues to learn from experienced players and coaches within MI’s setup, there is no doubt that Vignesh has the potential to become a significant player in Indian cricket.
