Cricket fans got a surprise on March 23, 2025, when Mumbai Indians (MI) handed a debut to Vignesh Puthur, a 23-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala, in their IPL opener against Chennai Super Kings. What makes this debut jaw-dropping? The young bowler has zero T20 matches under his belt at the senior level. Yet, MI saw something special in him. Let’s dig into who Vignesh Puthur is, how he landed this dream chance, and what it means for his future.
The Rise of Vignesh Puthur, Kerala Spinner
Vignesh hails from Perinthalmanna, a small town in Kerala’s Malappuram district. Born on March 2, 2001, he grew up in a modest family. His father, Sunil Kumar, drives an auto-rickshaw, while his mother, Bindhu PK, manages the home. Cricket wasn’t just a game for Vignesh—it was a passion that kicked off at age 11. A local cricketer, Mohammed Sherif, spotted his talent early and nudged him toward left-arm wrist spin, a rare skill often called “chinaman.”
He sharpened his craft over the years, playing for Kerala at the U-14 and U-19 levels. But here’s the kicker: he never broke into the senior state team. Instead, Vignesh shone in local leagues, especially the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). Representing Alleppey Ripples in 2024, he grabbed just two wickets in three games. That doesn’t sound like much, right? Still, MI scouts saw potential in his unique style and smooth action.
How Did He Catch MI’s Eye?
So, how does a guy with no senior T20 experience end up with a franchise like Mumbai Indians? It started with those KCL performances. Though his stats weren’t flashy, his ability to spin the ball both ways stood out. MI invited him for trials, where he bowled to big names like Hardik Pandya. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene even stepped in with tips, boosting his confidence.
Fast forward to the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah. Vignesh didn’t expect much—he even turned off his TV during the accelerated round. Then, a friend called with wild news: MI had snagged him for ₹30 lakh! From club cricket to bowling in the IPL nets with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, his journey feels like a movie script.
Vignesh Puthur, Kerala Spinner: What Makes Him Special?
Left-arm wrist spinners are a rare breed in cricket. Think Kuldeep Yadav, who Vignesh admires but doesn’t copy. His action is distinct, blending control with deception. During trials, he impressed with his flight and turn—skills that could trouble batsmen on IPL pitches. Plus, he’s a right-handed batter, though he hasn’t had many chances to show it yet.
Here’s a quick look at his profile:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vignesh Puthur |
| Age | 23 (Born March 2, 2001) |
| Hometown | Perinthalmanna, Kerala |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm wrist spin (Chinaman) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| IPL Team | Mumbai Indians (₹30 lakh) |
| Senior T20 Experience | None |
The Big Debut Moment
On March 23, 2025, MI made a bold call in their clash with CSK. They subbed out Rohit Sharma for Vignesh as an Impact Player. Stepping onto the MA Chidambaram Stadium turf, he faced a massive stage for his first senior competitive game. It’s a gamble by MI, banking on raw talent over experience. Fans on X buzzed with excitement, some calling him a potential successor to Kuldeep Yadav. Others just wanted to see what this mystery spinner could do.
What’s Next for Vignesh?
This debut is just the start. Playing for MI, a five-time IPL champion, gives Vignesh a golden chance to learn from the best. Even if he doesn’t play every match, rubbing shoulders with stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya will sharpen his game. His story—from a small town to the IPL spotlight—shows cricket’s power to lift dreams off the ground.
Will he become a breakout star in IPL 2025? It’s too early to tell. But one thing’s clear: Vignesh Puthur, Kerala spinner, has already turned heads. His journey proves talent can shine, even without a big resume.
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