IPL 2025, CSK vs MI: Who is Vignesh Puthur, the Kerala Spinner Who Dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube on His IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians made a surprise Impact Sub move during their IPL 2025 season opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, introducing young Kerala spinner Vignesh Puthur in place of superstar Rohit Sharma.
Hailing from Malappuram, Kerala, the 23-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner made his IPL debut under unique circumstances, having not yet played for his state at the senior domestic level. His inclusion in the Mumbai Indians squad sparked interest, especially given his limited exposure to top-tier cricket.
Wicket in First IPL Over
Puthur was introduced into the attack in the eighth over as Mumbai Indians defended a modest total of 155. He made an immediate impact by dismissing a well-set CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was caught at long-off for 53. In his second over, Puthur showcased his variations, nearly stumping hard-hitting Shivam Dube before eventually dismissing him with a clever delivery. He continued his impressive spell by taking the wicket of Deepak Hooda, finishing with figures of 3/32 in his four overs.
MS Dhoni’s Praise for Puthur
Despite Puthur’s heroics, CSK secured victory with five balls to spare, courtesy of an unbeaten half-century from Rachin Ravindra. However, after the game, MS Dhoni was seen appreciating Puthur’s performance, placing his hand on the youngster’s shoulder in an encouraging gesture. The heartwarming exchange between the two went viral on social media, further elevating Puthur’s status among cricket fans.
Puthur’s Cricketing Journey
The son of an auto-rickshaw driver, Puthur has represented Kerala at the U-14 and U-19 levels but had yet to feature in senior domestic cricket. His talent was noticed by Mumbai Indians scouts while he played for Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Cricket League last year, where he picked up two wickets in three matches. He also had a stint in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, further refining his skills.
Puthur’s rise in cricket began at Jolly Rovers Cricket Club in Perinthalmanna, where his performances earned him a spot in the KCL T20 tournament. His success there eventually led to his signing by Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in November 2024 for ₹30 lakh.
Interestingly, Puthur initially started his cricketing journey as a medium pacer before being encouraged by local cricketer Mohammed Sherif to try his hand at leg spin—a decision that has now paid off spectacularly in the IPL arena.