Who is Mumbai Indians’ latest recruit, Vignesh Puthur? The left-arm wrist-spinner made a stunning IPL debut, taking three wickets. Here’s everything you need to know about him.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for unearthing hidden gems and providing them with a stage to showcase their talent. In 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI), known for their exceptional scouting, introduced the cricketing world to Vignesh Puthur. The 24-year-old left-arm chinaman spinner from Malappuram, Kerala, who had never played a T20 game at the senior level, made a dream debut against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK), termed as ‘El Classico’ at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23.
Puthur delivered a stunning spell, claiming three crucial wickets for 32 runs in four overs, nearly turning the match in MI’s favour. His spell rattled CSK’s middle order, dismissing the in-form skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, pinch hitter Shivam Dube, fondly famous for dismantling spinners, and Deepak Hooda in quick time.
But who is Vignesh Puthur, and how did he rise from Kerala’s cricketing backwaters to the IPL spotlight?
Humble beginnings in Kerala
Born into a modest family, Puthur is the son of an autorickshaw driver and a homemaker. His cricketing journey started in local circuits, where he started his small career, bowling medium pace. It was only after Kerala cricketer Mohammed Sherif advised him to try spin bowling that his career took a different turn. He began working on his leg spin and soon found success at the junior level.
Puthur represented Kerala in the U-14 and U-19 categories and made a mark in domestic cricket through the Kerala Cricket League, playing for Alleppey Ripples. His performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) further bolstered his skills and ability, attracting the eyeballs of MI scouts who are famous for finding talent from the streets. The five-time IPL champions signed him at his base price of ₹30 lakh in the 2025 auction.
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MI’s secret weapon from South Africa
Mumbai Indians saw something special in Puthur and sent him to South Africa earlier this year as a net bowler for their SA20 franchise, MI Cape Town. The experience of bowling in South African conditions and rubbing shoulders with international players refined his skills and prepared him for the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
A debut to remember
Mumbai Indians made a bold move by introducing Puthur as an Impact Player, replacing legendary batter Rohit Sharma during CKS’s chase. The young spinner made an immediate impact, dismissing Gaikwad and Dube—both known for their ability to take on spinners. Deepak Hooda also fell to Puthur, failing to clear the ropes, proving the debutant’s control and composure under pressure.
Though Mumbai fell short in the match, with CSK’s Rachin Ravindra hitting the winning six with five balls to spare, Puthur’s performance earned praise from cricketing greats including MS Dhoni. After the conclusion of the match, during the handshakes, MS Dhoni also had a little chat with the spinner.
The road ahead of Vignesh Puthur
With Mumbai Indians constantly nurturing young talent, Puthur has a golden opportunity to cement his place in the squad. His variations, composure, and fearless attitude make him a valuable asset. If he continues to perform, he could follow in the footsteps of previous MI discoveries like Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya, who turned into international stars.
As IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on this young spinner from Kerala. Can Vignesh Puthur turn his dream debut into a breakout season? Only time will tell, but for now, Mumbai Indians seem to have unearthed another hidden gem.
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