Priyanka Tiwari
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Despite a 13th consecutive season-opening loss for the Mumbai Indians, the spotlight turned to 24-year-old debutant Vignesh Puthur, who delivered a remarkable performance in their match against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The match also brought a touching moment when Puthur came face-to-face with MS Dhoni, receiving a smile and a few shoulder pats from the legend — a symbolic passing of the torch across generations.
From Kerala Cricket League to the IPL Stage
Puthur, hailing from Malappuram, Kerala, was relatively unknown before MI picked him from the Kerala Cricket League. But his IPL debut showed why the franchise’s scouting system continues to deliver results. With figures of 3 for 32, Puthur dismissed:
- CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Power-hitter Shivam Dube
- World Cupper Deepak Hooda
His clever use of flight, deception, and exploiting the slow pitch caught seasoned players off guard.
Backed by MI’s Think-Tank
Suryakumar Yadav, leading the team in Rohit Sharma's absence, showed his faith by holding back Puthur’s overs for the death phase. MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey explained the rationale behind fast-tracking Puthur:
“We saw his potential during the trials — his ability to spin, accuracy, and variety. He’s different. That made us confident he could trouble quality batters.”
Even Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma reportedly found him challenging to face during nets — strengthening MI's decision to debut him against a formidable CSK lineup.
A Carefully Planned Build-Up
Puthur wasn’t thrust into the spotlight unprepared. After being picked for INR 30 lakh in the IPL mega auction, MI sent him to:
- MI Cape Town as a net bowler for SA20
- Participate in the DY Patil T20 Tournament for the Reliance team
- Join MI's pre-season training camp
This careful grooming allowed Puthur to gain confidence and integrate gradually.
Mentorship and Learning from Legends
Beyond skill development, conversation and mentorship were key to his growth. He had the opportunity to interact with icons like Mahela Jayawardene, Kieron Pollard, Rohit Sharma, and Surya. Mhambrey praised the youngster’s humility and adaptability:
“He’s like a sponge, always listening and learning. Sharing a dressing room with your heroes is a dream, and he handled it without showing pressure.”
A Strong Start, A Long Journey Ahead
Puthur's poised debut, filled with maturity and precision, marks a vindication of MI’s scouting process and investment in untapped talent. While the match ended in defeat, the team celebrated a victory of a different kind — the emergence of a new spin asset with a long road ahead.
