Vignesh Puthur, a talented left-arm wrist spinner, has been brought into the spotlight as the Impact Player for Mumbai Indians during their opening match in the Indian Premier League 2025 against the formidable Chennai Super Kings.
The excitement began when Vignesh, in just his debut over, claimed the crucial wicket of Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. With a delivery pitched full and placed outside the off-stump, Gaikwad attempted a straight drive, only to see the ball land safely in the hands of Will Jacks, signaling Vignesh's arrival on the IPL stage. Showing remarkable composure for a young bowler, he followed this up in his next over by dismissing Shivam Dube, who fell victim to a catch taken by Tilak Varma at long-on.
Vignesh's third wicket came from a sharp display of skill as he trapped Deepak Hooda, who tried a slog sweep but ended up picking out the deep square leg fielder. This impressive performance showcased not just his potential but also affirmed his spot on the team.
At just 23 years old, Vignesh hails from Malappuram, Kerala, and was signed by the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians for a base price of Rs. 30 lakh. Despite his promising start in the IPL, Vignesh has yet to make an appearance for Kerala’s senior team. His cricketing experience is primarily drawn from his participation in the state’s under-14 and under-19 teams. His recent involvement in the Kerala Cricket League saw him play for Alleppey Ripples, where he managed to secure only two wickets across three matches. Additionally, he has gained crucial exposure through his stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.
Vignesh's journey in cricket began with an early inclination towards medium pace and spin. However, a pivotal moment in his career occurred when he was encouraged by local cricketer Mohammed Sherif to experiment with leg spin. At that time, he was unaware of the term "chinaman" but nevertheless dedicated himself to refining his craft.
To advance his cricketing aspirations, Vignesh relocated to Thrissur, where he developed into one of the standout bowlers in the Kerala College Premier T20 league, representing St. Thomas College. His consistent excellence drew the attention of selectors, leading to his selection for the Jolly Rovers Cricket Club. His performances there became crucial in securing a place in the Alleppey Ripples for the Kerala Cricket League, a career-defining move that set the foundation for his entry into the IPL.
Vignesh Puthur's rise in the cricketing world illustrates the value of perseverance and adaptability. As he continues to develop his skills in the Indian Premier League, cricket enthusiasts can expect to see further contributions from this emerging talent. His agility as a wrist spinner complements the Mumbai Indians’ team strategy effectively, and if his early performances are any indication, he stands poised for a bright future in cricket. With a solid foundation built on local and state-level experiences, Vignesh is now set to make significant waves in the professional arena. His early successes may well be just the beginning of a promising cricketing career.