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A rising young cricketer from Kerala, Vignesh Puthur, has made headlines after being selected by Mumbai Indians for the IPL. In his debut match against Chennai Super Kings, he delivered an impressive bowling performance, claiming key wickets and showcasing his exceptional talent on the big stage.

"From Kerala to IPL Glory: Vignesh Puthur's Dream Debut for Mumbai Indians"

Vignesh Puthur, a 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, made a remarkable debut for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on March 23, 2025, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium. Despite MI's loss, Puthur's performance stood out as he claimed three crucial wickets, dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda, finishing with figures of 3 for 32 in his four-over spell. 

Puthur's journey to the IPL is inspiring. The son of an auto-rickshaw driver, he honed his skills in local cricket circuits, including the Kerala Cricket League, before being scouted by Mumbai Indians. His impressive performances as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league caught the attention of the MI management, leading to his acquisition for ₹30 lakh in the 2025 IPL auction. 

After the match, a notable moment occurred when CSK's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni interacted with Puthur. Dhoni inquired about Puthur's age and encouraged him to continue his current approach, acknowledging his potential. 

Mrs.Nita Ambani praised Vignesh Puthur for his outstanding performance and presented him with a token of appreciation in recognition of his efforts.

Puthur's debut has been celebrated in his hometown, with his parents expressing immense pride and joy over his achievements. His mother shared that they watched every ball of the match and were overwhelmed with happiness, unable to sleep from the excitement. 

Vignesh Puthur's cricketing journey has been significantly influenced by key mentors who recognized and nurtured his talent:

Muhammad Sharif: A childhood friend from Perinthalmanna, Sharif identified Vignesh's potential during their neighborhood cricket matches. Impressed by Vignesh's natural spin abilities, Sharif introduced him to formal coaching. 

P.G. Vijayakumar: Upon Sharif's recommendation, Vignesh began training under Coach Vijayakumar. This formal coaching provided Vignesh with structured guidance, helping him refine his skills and understand the nuances of the game. 

Mumbai Indians Coaching Staff: Vignesh's association with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise further honed his abilities. As a net bowler for MI Cape Town, he impressed senior players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav with his challenging deliveries. MI's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, emphasized the franchise's focus on potential, noting Vignesh's consistent spin, accuracy, and unique skills as factors that led to his inclusion in the team. 

These mentors played pivotal roles in Vignesh's development, guiding him from local cricket in Kerala to his impactful debut in the Indian Premier League.

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