Prateeksha Thakur
Mumbai, March 24, 2025:
A pat on the shoulder from MS Dhoni is enough to make any young cricketer’s day. For 24-year-old Vignesh Puthur, it was a moment that marked his arrival on the big stage. The Mumbai Indians spinner made a strong impression in his IPL debut, picking up three wickets for 32 runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. While CSK eventually won by four wickets, Puthur’s performance stood out, earning admiration from fans and players alike.
With Mumbai Indians missing key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, Puthur was handed the responsibility of making an impact, and he did not disappoint. The left-arm chinaman bowler troubled CSK’s batters with his sharp turn and control, even breaking crucial partnerships. His spell slowed down CSK’s chase, momentarily shifting the momentum in Mumbai’s favor. After the match, Dhoni, known for spotting talent, acknowledged Puthur’s efforts with a reassuring gesture—a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Puthur’s journey to the IPL has been anything but easy. The son of an autorickshaw driver and a homemaker from Kerala’s Malappuram district, he grew up playing cricket on local grounds with limited resources. Originally a fast bowler, he transitioned to spin on the advice of Kerala cricketer Mohammed Sharif, a move that changed his career path. His performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and a stint as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20 League helped him refine his skills. Mumbai Indians recognized his potential, picking him up for Rs. 30 lakh in the IPL auction.
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In his debut match, Puthur dismissed key CSK batters, showing composure under pressure. Though Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 off 45 balls ultimately guided CSK to victory, Puthur’s spell provided glimpses of a promising future. Fans praised his performance, and cricket experts believe he could play a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ campaign this season.
With the IPL season in full swing, all eyes will be on Puthur to see if he can build on his strong start. If his debut is any indication, Mumbai Indians may have found a dependable spin option for the tournament. And with Dhoni’s nod of approval, the young spinner has already taken his first big step toward success.
NI Bureau
