Who is Vignesh Puthur, the ‘mystery spinner’ who wrecked the headlines after CSK v/s MI IPL match?
Chennai Super Kings may have won their thrilling opening match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, because of the outstanding performances by Noor Ahmad and Rachin Ravindra. Still, apart from these two players, the spotlight quickly shifted to Vignesh Puthur from Mumbai Indians. The 24-year-old spinner from Kerala, who had never played a senior-level T20 before, made an unforgettable impact at Chepauk Stadium.
Puthur’s brilliant spell in the middle overs, where he took three quick wickets, put Chennai under immense pressure and played an important role in the game’s drama. Despite CSK’s victory, it was Puthur who stole the headlines, particularly after an internet-breaking moment with MS Dhoni post-match, that became a widespread excitement around his performance. His fearless show against some of the best in the game left fans and experts in awe, and the spectators are already looking forward to him as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket.
Who is Vignesh Puthur?
Vignesh Puthur is a left-arm wrist spinner from Mallapuram, Kerala who made an astonishing entry into the IPL with Mumbai Indians, even before being a part of the senior cricket team for his state. His journey to the big leagues began in the Kerala T20 League, where he played for Alleppey Ripples. Despite playing only three matches and taking two wickets, Puthur’s unique left-arm mystery spin caught the eye of Mumbai Indians. Impressed by his potential, MI invited him for trials and subsequently secured his services for INR 30 lakh ahead of IPL 2025.
L-R: Vignesh Puthur bows down to touch Nita Ambani’s feet; and the bowler celebrates with Suryakumar Yadav. (Video grab/PTI Photo)
Puthur’s IPL debut was a memorable one, where he took the scalps of big names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda in Chennai, bringing out his skill and composure. Before the IPL, he sharpened his game by serving as a net bowler for MI Cape Town in the SA20, which prepared him for the challenge ahead.
What is Vignesh’s age?
Apart from Vignesh’s thrilling performance, another moment had gone viral where he had a small chat with ‘Thala’, for vignesh it was moment beyond imagination as his eyes gleamed in excitement, and everyone was keen to know the conversation.
This suspense came to a hold when the next morning, Vignesh’s close friend Sreerag called him, eager to know what everyone was asking: “What did MS Dhoni say?” even his parents were curious, he shared with The Indian Express.
“Dhoni asked him how old is he and told Vignesh to keep doing the same things that have brought him to the IPL,” he said.
Vignesh is a 24 year old, his exceptional bowling skills have got him the title of the mystery spinner post the match.
What is Puthur’s mystery spin?
Vignesh Puthur has been identified as a mystery spinner due to his unorthodox bowling style. His bowling action involves various spin techniques, which makes it difficult for batsmen to read his deliveries. This skill set has drawn comparisons to renowned mystery spinners like Ajantha Mendis, who was known for his deceptive variations in bowling.
Vignesh Puthur, a 24-year-old spinner from Kerala, impressed in his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians, taking three key wickets. Nita Ambani recognised his performance with a special award. Here’s how Puthur’s cricketing journey led to this moment.
A “mystery spinner” is a bowler who uses a variety of deceptive deliveries, where it is difficult to anticipate the ball’s direction and spin. This skill lies in the bowler’s ability to disguise their deliveries, often using similar wrist and seam positions for different balls, such as leg breaks, off-breaks, googlies, and top-spinners. The unpredictability of these variations can unsettle even the most experienced batsmen.
