IPL 2025: Rohit, Surya, Tilak struggled facing MI sensation Vignesh Puthur, says MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey

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Mumbai Indians suffered a defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 on Sunday (March 23). Amid their poor result, young Vignesh Puthur emerged as a massive positive.

The young spinner from Kerala came on for his debut as an Impact Player in the second innings and weaved his magic.

Puthur struck in his first over as he dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad. Then the left-arm chinaman spinner got the wickets of Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda as well. His flight, accuracy and courage was spectacular as the MI bowler sparked some hope for his team.

And after the match, MI coach Paras Mhambrey opened up on the player's acquisition.

"We have good guys who can spot talent. The idea has always been with MI to see potential more than anything else. When he saw him [Vignesh Puthur] at the trials, we saw the potential rather than looking at how much cricket he has played in the past. It is never easy, the first game against CSK... It was a big game," Mhambrey said after the match.

The coach hailed Puthur's composure despite making debut at such daunting circumstances. It was not a baptism of fire for the Malappuram-born player who left the field after a pat on the shoulder from India legend MS Dhoni.

"But purely the way he responded, hats off to him. He was able to hold onto his nerves and handle pressure superbly. He really got us into the game. I am very happy about his performance," he added.

Furthermore, the bowling coach revealed how Vignesh impressed them during net sessions. The bowler was not easy to pick and also caused trouble to Rohit Sharma and others.

"When Rohit, Surya and Tilak batted against him, they felt he wasn't that easy. It was one of the reasons we had the confidence to push him in this game. It was a good decision in the end," the MI coach concluded.