Vignesh Puthur, born on March 2, 2001, in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district, Kerala, India, is a rising cricket star whose journey from humble beginnings to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has inspired many. The son of Sunil Kumar, an autorickshaw driver, and K.P. Bindhu, a homemaker, Vignesh grew up in a modest household where financial constraints were a constant challenge. Despite this, his parents nurtured his passion for cricket, a sport that would eventually become his ticket to recognition.
Vignesh’s love for cricket began in the dusty lanes of Perinthalmanna, playing with friends using makeshift equipment. Initially, he bowled medium pace, a common starting point for many young cricketers. However, a pivotal moment came when his friend Mohammed Sherif, a local cricketer, spotted his potential at age 11. Sherif suggested he switch to spin bowling, specifically left-arm wrist spin—a rare and unorthodox style known as “chinaman.” Unaware of the term at first, Vignesh embraced the challenge. At 14, he joined the Malappuram District Cricket Academy under coach Vijayan, who helped him refine this unique skill. His natural talent and dedication saw him progress through Kerala’s age-group teams, representing the state in Under-14, Under-19, and Under-23 categories.
Despite his early promise, Vignesh’s career hit a plateau. He never broke into Kerala’s senior domestic team, a setback that might have discouraged many. Instead, he persisted in local circuits, balancing cricket with academics. A student of literature, he completed his secondary education at Government Model Higher Secondary School in Perinthalmanna, graduated from GEMS Arts & Science College, and is currently pursuing an MA in Literature at PTM Government College. This blend of intellectual pursuit and athletic ambition set him apart.
His breakthrough came in the inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) in 2024, where he played for Alleppey Ripples. Though his stats were modest—two wickets in three matches—his distinctive bowling action caught the eye of Mumbai Indians (MI) scouts. MI, known for unearthing raw talent like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, invited him for trials. Impressed by his variations and composure, they signed him for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction in November 2024. To prepare him, MI sent him to South Africa as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20, where he trained alongside stars like Rashid Khan, gaining invaluable exposure.
Vignesh’s IPL debut on March 23, 2025, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk was nothing short of a fairytale. Coming in as an Impact Player for MI, the 24-year-old—who had never played senior-level T20 cricket—delivered a sensational spell. Bowling in the high 70 kph range with flight and guile, he dismissed CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (53), Shivam Dube (9), and Deepak Hooda (3), finishing with figures of 3/32 in four overs. Though MI lost the match, Vignesh’s performance earned him the ‘Best Bowler’ award from MI owner Nita Ambani, whom he respectfully thanked by touching her feet—a gesture that went viral. Even MS Dhoni, CSK’s iconic figure, patted him on the back, asking his age and encouraging him to keep going.
This debut turned Vignesh into an overnight sensation. His father paused his autorickshaw duties as media swarmed their home, and his story—of grit, parental sacrifice, and a leap from obscurity to the IPL—captivated fans. Influenced by Kuldeep Yadav but with a unique action, Vignesh’s “mystery spinner” tag reflects his ability to disguise deliveries, a skill honed through years of local grind at Jolly Rovers Cricket Club and college leagues.
As of April 9, 2025, Vignesh remains a promising talent. His IPL journey has just begun, with mixed usage—stunningly dropped for MI’s match against Gujarat Titans on March 29 despite his debut heroics, sparking fan outcry. Yet, his potential as a left-arm wrist spinner, a rare commodity, suggests a bright future. Off the field, he’s a quiet, grounded individual who enjoys swimming, the gym, and time with animals, particularly dogs and cats. Single and focused, Vignesh Puthur’s life story is a testament to perseverance, proving that even from Kerala’s football-loving Malappuram, a cricketing star can shine on India’s grandest stage.
