The third match of IPL 2025 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23 saw MI struggle with the bat managing just 155 runs. CSK chased it down comfortably to win by 4 wickets. However the biggest talking point of the game was Vignesh Puthur’s impressive IPL debut.

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Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, Puthur stepped up, taking 3 wickets for 32 runs, giving MI a fighting chance. His spell caught everyone’s attention and fans are eager to know more about this young sensation from Kerala.

Read More: Who Said What? Post-Match Reactions - Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Mumbai Indians (MI), 3rd Game IPL 2025

Vignesh Puthur, a 24-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner from Malappuram Kerala comes from a humble background. His father is an autorickshaw driver and his mother is a homemaker. Unlike many cricketers who rise through domestic circuits Puthur has never played for Kerala at the senior level.

Mumbai Indians bought him for INR 30 lakh in the mega auction in Jeddah after being impressed by his performance in the 2025 Kerala Cricket League.

His career took a major turn after Kerala cricketer Mohammed Sharif suggested he try leg-spin. Puthur played for Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Cricket League where MI scouts noticed his unique skills.

He also got exposure in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and was sent to South Africa as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20 League.

Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, explained why MI took a chance on Puthur.

"When we saw him in trials, we saw the potential in him rather than focusing on how much cricket he had played before. He spins the ball consistently, lands it accurately, and has a good googly. He’s different, and we knew he could trouble quality batters with his skill set."