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In a heartwarming display of respect and humility, young cricketer Vignesh Puthur made headlines after his remarkable debut for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025. Following a challenging match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where MI fell short despite a valiant effort, Puthur’s gesture of touching team owner Nita Ambani‘s feet after receiving the ‘Best Bowler’ award captured the hearts of fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
A star is born: Vignesh Puthur’s journey
Puthur, a 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket. Scouted by MI while playing club cricket in his home state, Puthur’s journey to the IPL has been nothing short of inspirational. Coming from humble beginnings as the son of an auto-rickshaw driver, he has defied odds to make his mark on one of cricket’s biggest stages.
Despite having no prior experience in senior-level cricket or T20 matches, Puthur was given the opportunity to shine when he was included in MI’s squad for the 2025 season. His skills were honed during training sessions with MI Cape Town in South Africa earlier this year, where he showcased his potential as a bowler capable of troubling even seasoned batters.
CSK edge past MI in the ‘el classico’ clash of IPL
The match against CSK on March 23, 2025, was a thrilling encounter that saw MI set a modest target of 156 runs. CSK began their chase confidently, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra forming a formidable partnership. However, it was Puthur who turned the tide with an outstanding bowling performance.
In just his first IPL match, Puthur took three crucial wickets—dismissing Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda—reducing CSK from a comfortable position to a precarious one. His impressive figures of 3 wickets for 32 runs in four overs highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and showcased his immense talent.
Despite MI ultimately losing the match with five balls remaining, Puthur’s performance became the focal point of discussion among fans and analysts. His ability to take key wickets against established players demonstrated not only his skill but also his potential for future success in the league.
Also READ: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni wins hearts with a remarkable gesture for MI debutant Vignesh Puthur, video goes viral
Puthur touches Nita Ambani’s feet
After the match, Puthur received the ‘Best Bowler’ award from Ambani in a touching moment that resonated deeply with many. As he accepted the accolade in the MI dressing room, he humbly bowed down to touch Ambani’s feet—a gesture that signifies respect and gratitude in Indian culture. This act not only highlighted his upbringing but also showcased his grounded nature amidst newfound fame.
In an emotional statement following the award presentation, Puthur expressed his gratitude towards MI for giving him the opportunity to play alongside some of cricket’s finest talents. He acknowledged the support from his teammates and captain Suryakumar Yadav, which helped him navigate the pressures of debuting in such a high-stakes environment.
“I never thought in my life I would play with these players,” he stated. “I am very happy. We could have won today. Thank you so much team,” he said in a video shared by MI on social media, reflecting on both his personal achievement and the collective aspirations of his team.
In an era where sports personalities often face scrutiny for their behavior off the field, Puthur’s gesture serves as a refreshing reminder of respect and tradition. Moreover, this incident has brought attention to the importance of nurturing young talent within Indian cricket. Puthur’s journey from local club cricket to IPL stardom represents hope for aspiring cricketers across India, emphasizing that dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
