On Sunday, four new players made their debut in the Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians match at Chepauk. Among them, the relatively unknown Vignesh Puthur impressed everyone with his magical performance. The 23-year-old chinaman bowler is the son of an auto driver and hails from Malappuram, Kerala. Mumbai’s scouting team spotted him during the Kerala Cricket League.
Without any experience in senior-level cricket, Puthur made a direct debut in the IPL. He entered the playing XI as an impact substitute against a strong Chennai team, replacing Rohit Sharma. He bowled four overs, conceding 32 runs and taking three wickets.
Puthur’s journey in Mumbai Indians’ blue and gold jersey began when the franchise bought him for ₹30 lakh. He earned his place in the squad after an impressive performance in franchise trials. His accuracy, consistent turn, and ability to stay calm under pressure made him stand out. Mumbai Indians’ management played a crucial role in his development, as he had little experience at the senior level.
In January, Puthur was sent as a net bowler to South Africa for MI Cape Town’s T20 League. There, he worked on his skills and took bowling tips from Rashid Khan. Training alongside top players helped him grow stronger. Before the IPL, he played in the DY Patil T20 tournament for the Reliance team.
Puthur’s impressive performances in Mumbai Indians’ nets caught the attention of head coach Mahela Jayawardene, who decided to give him a chance in the IPL opener. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav also supported his selection. Mumbai’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, stated, “Rohit, Surya, and Tilak Varma faced him in the nets and found him very challenging to play. That’s when we decided to give him a match opportunity, and it paid off.”
Mhambrey also praised Mumbai’s scouting team for discovering Puthur in the Kerala Cricket League, where he played for Al-Fujairah Ripples. Despite Mumbai losing the match, even MS Dhoni was impressed by Puthur’s bowling and personally spoke to him after the match.
Vignesh Puthur took his first IPL wicket by dismissing Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, followed by Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda. He conceded only 32 runs while picking up three crucial wickets.
Born to auto driver Sunil Kumar and homemaker KP Bindu, Puthur’s family resides near a private bus stand in Perinthalmanna. He holds an MA in English from PTM Government College. His cricketing journey was filled with struggles, training under coach Vijayan in Perinthalmanna before gradually making his way up.
He has represented Kerala in U-14, U-19, and U-23 categories, but his fortunes changed after performing in the Kerala Cricket League. Puthur has never played Ranji Trophy or any senior-level cricket for Kerala, yet he has managed to make a mark on the big stage in the IPL.
