After the IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni won hearts once again—not just with his performance, but with his appreciation for young debutant spinner Vignesh Puthur.

Dhoni's Special Gesture for Vignesh Puthur

Vignesh, who made his IPL debut as an impact substitute for Mumbai Indians, put up an impressive performance, taking 3 crucial wickets—dismissing CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. Despite Mumbai's loss, his remarkable bowling caught Dhoni’s attention.

After the match, Dhoni personally met Vignesh, listened to him, and patted him on the back as a mark of encouragement. Fans captured the moment, and their conversation quickly went viral. Reports suggest that Dhoni asked Vignesh his name and age, praising his bowling skills. Many on social media speculated that Dhoni was curious about the young bowler who had managed to dismiss key CSK players.

A Remarkable Journey from Kerala to IPL

Vignesh Puthur’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Kerala on March 2, 2001, he has not played any senior-level domestic cricket but was discovered through Mumbai Indians’ scouting program. His father is an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother, KP Bindu, is a homemaker.

Despite his unconventional path, Mumbai Indians trusted his talent and signed him for ₹30 lakh. Vignesh initially bowled both medium pace and spin before being guided by local cricketer Mohammad Sharif to focus on left-arm wrist spin. His dedication paid off when he got the chance to showcase his skills in the IPL.

A Star in the Making?

With a strong debut performance—3 wickets for 32 runs in 4 overs—Vignesh has already made an impact. The recognition from a legend like Dhoni has further boosted his confidence, and fans are eager to see how this young spinner progresses in the tournament.