The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for unearthing raw talent, and IPL 2025 has introduced a new name to the cricketing world—Vignesh Puthur. The 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala made an unforgettable debut for the Mumbai Indians (MI), picking up three crucial wickets, including that of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. His performance has put him in the spotlight as one of the most exciting new talents in the tournament.

A Journey of Determination and Hard Work

Born in Malappuram, Kerala, Puthur’s journey to the IPL is nothing short of inspiring. Coming from a humble background—his father being an autorickshaw driver and his mother a homemaker—he had to overcome financial challenges to pursue his dream of becoming a professional cricketer.

Interestingly, Puthur didn’t start as a spinner. He was initially a medium pacer, but his career took a turn when local cricketer Mohammed Sherif advised him to switch to spin bowling. That decision proved to be a game-changer.

Climbing the Ranks: From College Cricket to IPL

Puthur first gained attention playing for St. Thomas College in Thrissur before making a name for himself in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) with the Alleppey Ripples. Despite not having any senior-level experience with the Kerala state team, his performances in local tournaments caught the attention of Mumbai Indians’ scouts.

During the IPL 2025 auction, MI signed him for INR 30 lakh, a move that many initially questioned. However, his debut against CSK silenced all doubts as he showcased his ability to handle pressure and deliver in high-stakes situations.

Learning from the Best: Training with Rashid Khan

To further hone his skills, Puthur trained as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league, where he worked closely with world-class spinner Rashid Khan. The experience proved invaluable, helping him refine his craft and develop the variations needed to succeed at the highest level.

Making an Impact in IPL 2025

Puthur’s debut was nothing short of spectacular. Bowling against a strong CSK batting lineup, he picked up three key wickets, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, disrupting their chase and giving MI a fighting chance. His ability to extract turn and deceive batsmen with his wrist spin made an immediate impression.

With Mumbai Indians known for backing young talent, Puthur now has the perfect platform to cement his place in the team. If his debut is anything to go by, he could be a game-changer for MI in the seasons to come.

What’s Next for Vignesh Puthur?

While one match doesn’t define a career, Puthur has certainly made people sit up and take notice. If he continues to impress, he could soon find himself in contention for higher honors, including a spot in the Kerala senior team and possibly even an India call-up in the future.

From a small-town boy with big dreams to a rising star in the IPL, Vignesh Puthur’s story is of perseverance, hard work, and the power of believing in oneself.

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