Mumbai Indians turn to net bowler with big numbers after Vignesh Puthur ruled out of IPL 2025

Raghu Sharma, a leg-spinner from Punjab, has been named as Vignesh Puthur’s replacement at Mumbai Indians for the remainder of the season. Vignesh has been ruled out due to a bone stress reaction in both shins.

Raghu, who had been part of the Mumbai Indians support bowling unit, has now been promoted to the main squad. He has played 11 first-class matches, 9 List A games, and 3 T20s for Punjab and Pondicherry. In his first-class career so far, he has picked up five five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls. During the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Raghu delivered a strong performance for Punjab, claiming 14 wickets in 9 matches.

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Vignesh, introduced as Mumbai Indians’ Impact Player in their IPL 2025 opener against Chennai Super Kings, produced a debut that caught even seasoned watchers off guard. His spell shocked the CSK camp and brought silence to the Chepauk crowd. The 24-year-old, who was picked directly from a state league with no first-class experience, dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda to return figures of 3 for 32 in four overs.

Also Read: Meet Vignesh Puthur: The boy from Kerala & MI debutant who 'spun' his way into IPL, 'impacting' CSK's batting

He went on to play five matches for the Mumbai franchise, collecting six wickets in total, including that standout debut. Vignesh will remain with the team to undergo recovery and rehabilitation with the Mumbai Indians Medical and Strength & Conditioning staff.

Mumbai Indians’ scouting network has previously unearthed talents such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said, “The idea at MI is always seeing the potential more than anything else, and when we saw him for one of our trials.”