Mumbai Indians found themselves in trouble during their opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings, managing only 155 runs while batting first. With the game slipping away, they introduced a little-known 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, Vignesh Puthur, as an impact substitute for Rohit Sharma. What followed was nothing short of sensational. Making his debut, Vignesh stunned everyone by taking three crucial wickets in his first three overs, turning the match on its head.
Vignesh Puthur, a relatively unknown name in cricket circles, had never played senior domestic cricket before this match. However, his fearless bowling left Chennai Super Kings struggling. His first IPL over saw him dismiss CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who mistimed a shot straight into the hands of Will Jacks.
He continued his dominance in the next over by removing Shivam Dube, a known power-hitter against spin, who mistimed a lofted shot to Tilak Varma at long-on. Vignesh’s third victim was Deepak Hooda, caught at deep square leg attempting a slog sweep. By the end of his four-over spell, Vignesh had picked up 3 wickets for 32 runs, making an instant impact in the league.
Despite his lack of senior cricket experience, Vignesh was scouted by Mumbai Indians from junior-level tournaments and signed for ₹30 lakh. To refine his skills, the franchise sent him to South Africa for training with their MI Cape Town team in the SA20 League, where he learned from top international cricketers.
Vignesh’s rise to fame was anything but easy. Hailing from a humble background in Kerala, his father drives an autorickshaw to support the family. Initially, Vignesh was a left-arm fast bowler, but a local cricketer, Mohammad Sherif, advised him to try wrist spin instead. Unaware that a left-arm wrist spinner is known as a Chinaman bowler, Vignesh worked tirelessly on his new craft.
To pursue his cricketing dreams, he moved from Malappuram to Thrissur, playing in the Kerala College Premier T20 League for St. Thomas College, where he became one of the top bowlers. His performances for Jolly Rovers Cricket Club eventually earned him a place in the Alleppey Ripples team in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL)—a turning point in his career.
Vignesh Puthur’s stunning IPL debut has put him in the spotlight, proving that talent can shine through despite all odds. His journey from an unknown cricketer to an IPL match-winner is an inspiration, and if his debut is any indication, Indian cricket might have found its next big spin sensation.
