Vignesh Puthur: The Unlikely IPL Star Who Left a Mark on CSK

In the opening match of the 2025 Indian Premier League season, a relatively unknown 24-year-old spinner from Kerala stunned the cricket world with his remarkable performance. Vignesh Puthur, a left-arm wrist spinner from Malappuram, Kerala, made his debut for Mumbai Indians in a thrilling contest against Chennai Super Kings, and his contribution was nothing short of spectacular. Although MI suffered a narrow defeat, Puthur's spell was the highlight of the match.

A DEBUT TO REMEMBER: PUTHUR STUNS CSK

Puthur’s performance on his IPL debut was an instant success. He bowled with precision and flair, claiming figures of 3/32 in his four overs. His breakthrough came in the form of CSK's captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was dismissed for trying to take on the young spinner. Gaikwad’s lofted shot was comfortably caught by Will Jacks at long-off. That was just the beginning. Puthur’s next scalp was Shivam Dube, a player known for his destructive batting against spinners. Dube mistimed a shot off Puthur’s bowling, sending the ball straight to Tilak Varma at long-on. To top it off, Puthur claimed the wicket of Deepak Hooda soon after, completing a memorable debut with three wickets in the bag.

AN UNCONVENTIONAL PATH TO THE IPL

Vignesh Puthur’s rise to the IPL was anything but ordinary. Unlike many of his IPL counterparts, Puthur never played senior-level cricket for Kerala. His journey began in local cricket leagues, where he initially bowled medium pace. However, a chance suggestion from Kerala cricketer Mohammed Sherif changed his life. Sherif advised him to switch to a left-arm wrist spin, a move that would prove to be a game-changer for Puthur.

Years of hard work in the local leagues and college tournaments followed, helping Puthur perfect his wrist spin. His performances in the Kerala College Premier T20 League, alongside a brief but impactful stint with Jolly Rovers Cricket Club, garnered attention. Although his returns in the Kerala Cricket League were modest—just two wickets in three matches—MI’s scouts recognized his potential. At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Mumbai Indians made the bold decision to pick him up for ₹30 lakh.

PUTHUR’S IMPACT: A FUTURE STAR IN THE MAKING

Puthur’s IPL debut showcased the depth of his talent and confirmed MI’s faith in him. His impact wasn’t just limited to his wickets. Even MS Dhoni, the legendary CSK captain, who has mentored numerous cricketers, had words of praise for the young spinner after the game. For Puthur, the match was more than just a debut; it was the moment that put him on the cricketing map, proving that sometimes talent finds its way into the limelight in the most unexpected of ways.

While Mumbai Indians may have lost the match, Vignesh Puthur’s performance showed that he is one to watch out for in the coming seasons of the IPL. The spinner’s story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the belief that anyone with the right skills and determination can shine on the grand stage of the IPL.