New Delhi, March 24 – In his debut match for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2025, 24-year-old spinner Vignesh Puthur made an instant impact, capturing the attention of fans and cricket veterans alike with a stunning bowling performance. The youngster from Malappuram, Kerala, was introduced as an impact player against Chennai Super Kings and showcased his talent with a three-wicket haul that left a strong impression despite his team’s loss.
As per agency report, Puthur’s journey into the IPL spotlight has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting his cricketing journey at the age of 11 as a medium-pacer, he transitioned into spin bowling on the advice of local cricketer Mohammad Sharif. He later developed into a ‘chinaman’ bowler, making a mark in local leagues such as the Kerala Cricket League and spending some time in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Despite not having represented Kerala at the senior level, Mumbai Indians recognized his potential and secured him for Rs 30 lakh in the auction.
In his debut outing, Puthur delivered a breakthrough performance. He dismissed CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in his very first over, followed by key wickets of Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda in his next spells. He finished with figures of 3 for 32 in three overs. His bowling gave Mumbai a glimmer of hope, though they ultimately failed to defend the 156-run target, which Chennai chased down on the first ball of the final over.
The decision by stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav to not allow Puthur to complete his fourth over drew some criticism, as the spinner had already taken three crucial wickets and appeared to be Mumbai’s best chance at turning the game around. Despite the strategic lapse, Puthur's performance was hailed by teammates and opponents alike.
After the match, former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni personally congratulated Puthur, patting him on the back and offering words of encouragement—a moment that quickly became the highlight of Puthur’s young career. Commentator Ravi Shastri described it as an unforgettable moment that would boost the youngster’s confidence significantly.
Mumbai Indians captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the franchise's scouting system, attributing Puthur’s discovery and selection to the hard work of their talent scouts. The franchise has a history of identifying emerging talent, and Puthur’s debut reinforced that legacy.
Puthur's early success has opened new doors in his cricketing journey. If he continues to hone his craft, he could not only become a mainstay for Mumbai Indians but also emerge as a future prospect for the Indian national team.
