Perinthalmanna: Vignesh, a native of Kunnappally in Perinthalmanna, made an impressive debut in the IPL, claiming three wickets in his first match. After the game, Vignesh was ‘hailed’ as the best bowler by his team, bringing immense pride to his hometown.
In a ceremony held in the Mumbai Indians dressing room after the match, team owner Nita Ambani honoured Vignesh as the best bowler, a moment that his family and relatives watched with tearful joy. Every time Mumbai Indians released his video on social media, the celebration spread to his local friends and supporters from Jolly Rovers Club and PTM College. His Instagram account, which had 20,000 followers before the match, skyrocketed to 200,000 followers after the game. A video of former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni congratulating him has already been watched by millions.
Dream of wearing the Indian jersey
"He got off to a great start in the IPL, and now, we are all waiting waiting for the day he will wear the Indian jersey," said VG Raghunarth, secretary, Jolly Rovers Club. "Apart from Kuldeep Yadav, he is currently the only other ‘prominent’ chinaman bowler. I am hopeful that we'll see more of Vignesh’s magic on the Test and ODI fronts," said VG Raghunath, Secretary of Jolly Rovers Club.
Vignesh’s remarkable debut has sparked celebrations not just in his hometown, but across the cricketing community. The dream debut marks the beginning of his journey towards greater success, and everyone at home and in his village prays that this becomes the start of something extraordinary.
A dream come true
Before the match, Vignesh had expressed uncertainty about being given the chance to bowl. However, after getting the opportunity on the spin-friendly pitch in Chennai, he delivered an impactful performance, taking one wicket in each of his three overs. This performance has now become a moment of pride, like a dream come true for the 24-year-old.
Vignesh’s growth in cricket has been supported by several key figures along the way. Coach Vijayan, Jolly Rovers Club President S.K. Unni, Secretary VG Raghunath, former KCA Secretary S. Haridas, and Malappuram KCA Secretary C. Pradeep Kumar have all been part of his journey. Shameer, a local, was the first to notice Vignesh’s talent as a bowler. His father, Sunil Kumar, an auto-driver, and his mother, Bindhu, supported him with prayers and encouragement.
A journey of persistence and support
Early in his career, Vignesh received unwavering support from Kunnappally Cricket Club and Jolly Rovers Club. He participated in Mumbai Indians’ trials three times: first as one of 100 participants, then as one of 25. It was under the guidance of senior players like Hardik Pandya and coach Mahela Jayawardene that Vignesh began refining his skills, eventually earning his place in the Mumbai Indians squad.
Now, with a growing fanbase and continued support from his community, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Vignesh’s career, which promises to be filled with even more surprises and breakthroughs.
Published: 25 Mar 2025, 08:12 pm IST
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