GT vs MI: Why is Vignesh Puthur not Playing Today for Mumbai Indians?

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Mumbai Indians' rising star Vignesh Puthur turned heads with a stunning debut in the IPL 2025 opener against Chennai Super Kings.

The young left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala delivered a dream performance, claiming 3 wickets for 32 runs and dismantling the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. His variations and control under pressure earned praise across the board and raised expectations for future appearances.

However, fans were left puzzled when Puthur was left out of the playing XI in MI's next fixture against the Gujarat Titans.

IPL 2025: Why is Vignesh Puthur Not Playing Today?

Vignesh has been left out not just from the eleven but from the entire matchday squad. He came on as an Impact Player and did a tremendous job, but MI decided to keep him in the reserves.

The key change from the previous match was the return of Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya had missed the opening game due to a suspension carried over from the 2024 season. His comeback meant a reshuffle in the team combination, particularly among the bowling unit and the overseas/impact player dynamics. With team balance being crucial, Puthur had to make way.

Also, they have brought in Mujeeb ur Rahman, replacing Vignesh Puthur, which indicates a protective approach from MI for this match. As the Paltans are bowling first, they perhaps decided to omit the Kerala youngster.

Additionally, MI's coaching staff have stressed the importance of managing expectations around young players. While Puthur's debut was exceptional, the message has been clear - he must stay grounded and prepare to start from scratch in every game.

MI is looking at the bigger picture with Puthur, aiming for his gradual development rather than thrusting him into the spotlight every match. At such a tender age, the youngster needs to assimilate the ups and downs of the game.