IPL 2025: Who is Vignesh Puthur? – All you need to know about Kerala spinner who debuted for MI vs CSK

On March 23, Vignesh Puthur made his Indian Premier League debut by replacing Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai Indians’ match against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. He was one of MI’s five Impact Players called up for Sunday, March 23, when they play their bitter rivals.

MI purchased the 24-year-old for INR 30 lakh during last year’s massive Jeddah auction. Curiously, the youthful left-arm wrist-spinner has yet to make an appearance for Kerala at the senior level. But MI’s scouts were thrilled by the young player’s performance in the Kerala Cricket League’s 2025 edition last September.

At KCL 2024, the child played for Alleppey Ripples. Even though he only took three wickets in two games, MI’s hiring team was impressed by his distinctive bowling technique. Shortly thereafter, MI summoned him to demonstrate his skills in three trials.

Vignesh Puthur, whose parents are autorickshaw driver Sunil Kumar P and housewife Bindhu PK, has an inspiring childhood story.

Shortly after MI signed him for the 2025 Indian Premier League, he talked in detail about the emotional rollercoaster he went through throughout the 2024 auction process.

“I was about to go to bed after turning off my TV before the expedited auction round started when I received a call from a buddy informing me that MI had purchased me. Initially, I believed they were attempting to trick me. I noticed my name in the Mumbai Indians team while browsing the website. Puthur said, “It was unbelievable,” as reported by the Times of India.

Along with talking about his early cricket career, the rising star also discussed how he changed to bowling left-arm wrist-spin after receiving coaching from Mohammed Sherif, a local club cricketer.

“I had never heard of ‘chinaman’ before. After three years of improving my deliveries, I was accepted into the Malappuram District Cricket Academy. I played for Jolly Rovers and Perinthalmanna at the club level and for Kerala at the U-14 and U-19 levels as well, but I never advanced,” Puthur continued.

During his initial trial with the team, Puthur, who looks up to Kuldeep Yadav, also talked about his interactions with head coach Mahela Jayawardane.

Since Mahela Sir was aware of my anxiety, he approached me and gave me advice to relax, which helped me gain confidence. Two more trials I went to. “I hoped they would consider me as a nets bowler,” Vignesh said.