IPL 2025: Who is Vignesh Puthur, the debutant who made life tough for batters during MI vs CSK clash?

Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner Vignesh Puthur excelled on his IPL debut as he took the wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube during the IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday.

Puthur's three-wicket haul made a huge impact on the game as the IPL debutant made life tough for CSK.

The 24-year-old Puthur removed Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda in quick succession, with all three failing to dispatch the rookie spinner into the stands.

Who is Vignesh Puthur?

Vignesh Puthur, a left-arm spinner from Malappuram, Kerala, has never played senior-level cricket. The son of an autorickshaw driver and a homemaker, Puthur began his cricketing journey in local circuits, initially bowling medium pace.

His career took a turn after Kerala cricketer Mohammed Sherif suggested he try leg spin, which reshaped his trajectory.

Puthur has represented Kerala at the U-14 and U-19 levels and currently plays for Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Cricket League. It was here that MI scouts spotted him, leading to his signing at his base price of Rs 30 lakh. He has also played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.

Earlier this year, Puthur was sent to South Africa for the SA20, where he served as a net bowler for MI Cape Town.

On his debut for Mumbai Indians, Puthur made an immediate impact, earning praise from none other than M S Dhoni after the game.

Meanwhile, Chennai won with five balls to spare after Ravindra hit the winning six.

Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad returned figures of 4-18 to help Chennai restrict Mumbai to 155-9.

Ravindra anchored the chase, after skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed 53 off 26 deliveries.

Former India captain and 43-year-old Chennai icon M S Dhoni, playing in his 18th straight IPL season, walked out to bat for the final few balls.

Chennai and Mumbai share an old rivalry, with both teams winning five titles each in the T20 tournament that began in 2008.

(With inputs from PTI)