Mumbai Indians Surprise with Vignesh Puthur’s IPL Debut

MUMBAI, India — In a surprising turn of events during the IPL 2025 season opener, the Mumbai Indians (MI) introduced young spinner Vignesh Puthur as an Impact Substitute, replacing veteran captain Rohit Sharma. This match, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the 23-year-old wrist-spinner, who enters the field having no prior T20 matches.

Puthur hails from Malappuram, Kerala, and comes from humble beginnings, being the son of an auto-rickshaw driver. Despite a lack of senior-level experience in competitive cricket, he has previously represented Kerala at the under-14 and under-19 levels. His performance in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2024 caught the attention of MI scouts when he played for Alleppey Ripples, where he took only two wickets across three matches.

After showcasing his skills at the KCL’s T20 tournament with Jolly Rovers Cricket Club, Puthur attracted attention during the IPL Mega Auction in November 2024, where he was signed for INR 30 lakh. His potential had already been noted earlier this year during the 2025 DY Patil Cup, where he played for ‘Reliance 1’ and recorded two wickets at an economy rate of 9.00.

During the match against CSK, Puthur replaced Rohit Sharma in the second innings as MI looked to bolster their bowling attack. “It’s a huge opportunity for me, especially debuting in such an iconic tournament,” Puthur stated after the match. “I aim to showcase my abilities and prove that I can contribute to the team.”

After winning the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad opted to bowl first, setting a challenging tone for MI. Despite the upheaval caused by Sharma’s absence, MI struggled early in their innings but reached a total of 155 runs before the innings concluded.

Puthur’s debut is believed to be a pure move of potential; MI’s coach noted, “Vignesh brings a fresh perspective. We recognize his skills and potential for growth at this level.” MI’s management appears confident in his abilities, hoping that his introduction could yield significant dividends as the season progresses.

Given his lack of professional T20 games, Puthur’s debut stands as a testament to MI’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Each game serves as an opportunity not just to perform but also to develop and evolve amidst seasoned competitors.