Mumbai Indians surprised everyone with their choice of Impact Player in their first IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings by bringing in Vignesh Puthur. The Kerala-based young left-arm wrist-spinner replaced Rohit Sharma in the team. Who is Vignesh Puthur? Vignesh Puthur is a 24-year-old Malappuram cricketer from Kerala. Mumbai Indians picked him up for ₹30 lakh during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Although he has not appeared for Kerala yet at the senior level, he has played for the state at both the under-14 and under-19 levels. Early Cricket Journey Vignesh began his cricket career as a medium-pacer before moving to spin. It was Mohammed Sherif, a local cricketer, who encouraged him to attempt leg-spin. Vignesh was not even aware of a 'chinaman' delivery initially but continued practicing and enhancing his skills. For taking his career in cricket forward, he relocated to Thrissur, representing St. Thomas College in Kerala College Premier T20 League. Through his amazing performance, selectors locally took a glance at him and were approached by Jolly Rovers Cricket Club in Perinthalmanna. Also Read | Watch: MS Dhoni’s 0.12s Stumping Dismisses Suryakumar Yadav Rise Through Kerala Cricket League His coming-of-age was when he played for Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). Though he mustered just two wickets in three matches, his uncommon left-arm wrist-spin caught the eyes of scouts of Mumbai Indians. Prior to earning a stint in the KCL, Vignesh appeared in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and benefited from more competitive cricket experience. Mumbai Indians' Bold Decision Though he had little experience, Mumbai Indians sensed something in Vignesh and signed him with a contract in the IPL 2025 auction. Coming in to play against Chennai Super Kings was an unexpected move, but it indicates the confidence MI has in his ability. Vignesh's rise from playing in small tournaments to the big stage of the IPL is a heartwarming tale. Born into a poor family as the son of an auto-rickshaw driver, his perseverance and dedication have seen him reach one of the world's largest cricket leagues. With Mumbai Indians standing behind him, it would be interesting to find out how well Vignesh does in the coming games. His tale proves that ability could shine through irrespective of where one is from.