Jaipur/Perinthalmanna: Kerala spinner Vignesh Puthur has earned a fresh Indian Premier League opportunity after being sold to Rajasthan Royals for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction, marking a new chapter in the young cricketer’s journey from Perinthalmanna to the biggest stage of T20 cricket.

The 24-year-old, who represents Kerala in domestic cricket, returns to the IPL after being released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2026 season. Rajasthan Royals snapped him up at his base price, backing his potential and recent performances as they continue to invest in young Indian talent.

Puthur was in line to share the dressing room with fellow Keralite Sanju Samson, but that prospect changed after the wicketkeeper-batter made a headline-grabbing move to Chennai Super Kings.

Born in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district, Vignesh’s rise has been a story of perseverance. The son of an autorickshaw driver and a homemaker, he honed his skills under local coach Vijayan and progressed steadily through Kerala’s age-group system, featuring in the Under-14, Under-19 and Under-23 teams. He later showcased his abilities in the inaugural Kerala Cricket League, turning out for Alleppey Ripples.

Vignesh first caught IPL attention when he served as a net bowler for MI Cape Town, before being picked by the Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh at the 2025 mega auction. He made his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings on March 23, 2025, leaving a strong impression by dismissing key batters including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda.