The Mumbai Indians (MI) have sparked debate among fans and experts after leaving out Vignesh Puthur , the young sensation from Kerala, for their ongoing match against the Gujarat Titans (GT) . Despite a dream debut in the first match of IPL 2025, where he claimed three crucial wickets, Vignesh has not only been dropped from the playing XI but also excluded from the substitutes’ list. What’s going on here? Let’s dive into his story, stats, and the unanswered questions surrounding his sudden omission.
The Rise of Vignesh Puthur: From Kerala to Mumbai
Vignesh Puthur , a talented youngster from Kerala, caught the attention of cricket scouts with his impressive performances in the Kerala Premier League . His skills earned him a spot in Mumbai’s talent development camp and even as a net bowler for the SAT20 series in South Africa . Impressed by his potential, the Mumbai Indians secured him for Rs 30 lakhs during the IPL auction.
A Dream Debut Against Chennai
In Mumbai’s opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) , Vignesh was handed his debut. And boy, did he deliver! Here’s how he performed:
Wickets Taken: 3
Dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad , Shivam Dube , and Deepak Hooda —all key players in CSK’s lineup.
Impact: His spell turned the game in Mumbai’s favor, earning praise from teammates and opponents alike.
Recognition: After the match, MS Dhoni personally patted Vignesh and spoke to him, while Suryakumar Yadav hailed him as “our proud discovery.”
It seemed like the start of something special for the young bowler.
The Shocking Omission Against Gujarat
Despite his stellar debut, Vignesh Puthur was left out of the playing XI for the match against Gujarat Titans. Even more surprisingly, his name didn’t appear in the substitutes’ list either. Fans are left wondering why such a promising talent was dropped so soon.
Here’s what we know:
No Injury Reported: There’s no official word about Vignesh suffering an injury.
Team Strategy?: Mumbai might be experimenting with their lineup, but dropping a player who made such an impact is unusual.
Fan Reaction: Many fans feel it’s unfair to bench a player after just one match, especially when they performed well.
Stats Comparison: Vignesh vs Other Mumbai Bowlers
Let’s compare Vignesh debut performance with other Mumbai bowlers in the first two matches of IPL 2025:
Vignesh Puthur vs Other Mumbai Bowlers – IPL 2025 Stats
| Player | Matches Played | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vignesh Puthur | 1 | 4 | 3 | 6.75 | 3/28 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 2 | 8 | 4 | 7.50 | 2/30 |
| Piyush Chawla | 2 | 7 | 2 | 8.14 | 2/42 |
| Riley Meredith | 2 | 6 | 1 | 9.00 | 1/45 |
✅ Expert Take: Vignesh debut figures of 3/28 at an economy rate of 6.75 make him one of the standout performers in the Mumbai lineup. His ability to dismiss top-order batsmen highlights his potential as a match winner.
Why Was Vignesh Dropped?
While Mumbai hasn’t provided an official explanation, here are some possible reasons:
- Tactical Decision: The team might want to experiment with other bowlers to find the right balance.
- Pitch Conditions: Gujarat’s pitch may not suit Vignesh style of bowling, leading to his exclusion.
- Lack of Communication: Dropping a player without clear reasoning can frustrate fans and demotivate the player.
However, sidelining a player who delivered in his debut match raises questions about Mumbai’s decision-making process.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
Fans on social media are vocal about their disappointment. Many believe that Vignesh deserved another chance to prove himself, especially after such a strong start. Some speculate that internal politics or lack of trust in young players might be at play.
Conclusion
Vignesh Puthur’s sudden exclusion from the Mumbai Indians squad is a mystery that needs solving. While the team may have its reasons, benching a player who shone in his debut match feels like a missed opportunity. Will Mumbai bring him back for future games? Or will this decision haunt them later in the season?
What do you think about Vignesh Puthur’s omission? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 and the rising stars making waves this season.