WATCH: Nita Ambani hands ‘Best Bowler’ award to Vignesh Puthur after dream debut against CSK

At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the Mumbai Indians (MI) fell by four wickets to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, making it an unmemorable performance. However, young left-arm spinner Vignesh Puthur’s performance was a plus for the lads in blue and gold.

The 24-year-old spinner, who replaced Rohit Sharma as an impact substitute, earned figures of 3/23 in four overs, dismissing Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, and CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Following the match, Vignesh received the “Best Bowler” award from Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani in the dressing room for his great debut bowling performance. Despite his lack of economy, Vignesh took a lot of wickets. Dube and Hooda are excellent spinners, but Gaikwad was in excellent form.

Local Kerala talent MI debut in a big game Wins the Dressing Room Best Bowler

Ladies & gents, Vignesh Puthur! #MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #CSKvMI pic.twitter.com/UsgyL2awwr

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 24, 2025

There wasn’t much strain on me: Vignesh Puthur

In the game, the young bowler talked about the team and how they believed in him. In appreciation of his support, he thanked skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Despite having some excellent pacers, MI now has Puthur, a valuable spinner who has the potential to establish himself this season.

“The MI franchise is to be thanked for providing me with the chance to participate in the game. I’m overjoyed since I never imagined that I could play with you. The group may have prevailed. I want to thank Captain Surya Bhai in particular for his great assistance. For this reason, I didn’t feel as much pressure. Puthur expressed his gratitude to his teammates for their support following the game.