Mumbai Indians want Kerala’s impact player Vignesh Puthur to handle highs and lows of IPL

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene is delighted by Vignesh Puthur's instant impact in IPL 2025 but has urged fans to have realistic expectations from the young Kerala spinner.

The 24-year-old from Perinthalmanna in Malappuram came on as an impact sub in MI's season opener against Chennai Super Kings and bagged 3/32. MI lost the match, but Vignesh became an overnight sensation.

"I know there are a lot of things that have been said (about Vignesh), but guys, it's just a game of cricket," Jayawardene said. "Things can change. He can have his good days, his bad days, as any good cricketer has had. So we're preparing him for that."

The left-arm wrist spinner, who has yet to play for Kerala at the senior level, had impressed MI scouts during the Kerala Cricket League, where he featured for Alleppey Ripples.

Jayawardene said they knew Vignesh would be an asset for the franchise, and the conditions in Chepauk were just apt for his IPL introduction. MI had sent Vignesh to Cape Town to train alongside Rashid Khan, and the exposure did him a world of good.

"I was part of the thought process. It was just to expose him to cricket because we felt that there is talent and he hasn't played much cricket. VP was chilled and he's getting along with it," the Sri Lankan great said.

Vignesh did not get a chance in Saturday's match against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad as the team preferred Mitchell Santner's left-arm spin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman's off-break. MI crashed to their second defeat in two outings after the 36-run defeat to Shubman Gill's team.