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The Mumbai Indians (MI), known for scouting and grooming young talent, have added another exciting prospect to their squad for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season—Vignesh Puthur, a left-arm wristspinner from Kerala. With wrist spinners becoming a crucial asset in T20 cricket, Puthur’s selection has piqued interest among fans and experts alike.
Who is Vignesh Puthur?
Vignesh Puthur is a relatively unknown name in mainstream cricket but has been making waves in domestic circuits. Hailing from Kerala, the young spinner has impressed with his unorthodox left-arm wrist spin, a rare skill set in Indian cricket. While traditional left-arm spinners and right-arm wristspinners are common, left-arm wristspinners—also known as Chinaman bowlers—are a rarity, making Puthur a unique addition to MI’s bowling arsenal.
Rise Through the Ranks
Puthur has been a standout performer in age-group cricket for Kerala, consistently delivering match-winning spells. His ability to generate sharp turn, deceive batters with flight, and bowl effective googlies has set him apart. Over the past few seasons, he has been a key player in Kerala’s domestic campaign, particularly in T20 tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
His breakthrough moment came when he impressed Mumbai Indians scouts during trials. Known for their keen eye in spotting young talent—such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma—MI quickly roped him into their setup, seeing his potential to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Mumbai Indians’ Spin Strategy in IPL 2025
Historically, Mumbai Indians have relied heavily on pacers, especially at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium. However, recent seasons have seen them place greater emphasis on spin, especially given how pitches tend to wear down as the tournament progresses.
With the departure of some senior spinners, MI needed a fresh option. Puthur’s inclusion gives the team a mystery element—someone who can bamboozle right-handers with his stock delivery and trouble left-handers with his variations. His left-arm wrist spin complements MI’s existing attack, adding diversity alongside orthodox spinners and pacers.
Challenges Ahead
While Puthur has immense potential, the IPL is a different challenge altogether. Bowling against the world’s best batters under intense pressure will test his temperament. Many young spinners have found success early in the IPL but struggled when opposition teams analyze their variations and develop counter-strategies.
To cement his place in MI’s playing XI, Puthur will need to consistently deliver breakthroughs and maintain control over his economy rate. With experienced bowlers in the squad, he will also have the opportunity to learn and refine his skills further.
Can He Be the Next Kuldeep Yadav?
India has seen very few left-arm wristspinners at the highest level. Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the most successful in recent years, but this style of bowling remains rare. If Puthur can make an impact in IPL 2025, he could potentially be on the selectors’ radar for future India call-ups.
Given MI’s history of backing young players and giving them ample chances, Puthur might get a golden opportunity to prove himself. Whether he becomes an IPL sensation or takes time to develop will depend on how he adapts to the rigors of franchise cricket.
Final Thoughts
Vignesh Puthur’s journey from Kerala’s domestic circuit to the Mumbai Indians squad is a testament to his talent and dedication. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on this promising left-arm wristspinner to see if he can make a mark in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues. If he delivers, MI might have unearthed yet another future star.
