L-R: Vignesh Puthur bows down to touch Nita Ambani’s feet; and the bowler celebrates with Suryakumar Yadav. (Video grab/PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: In a touching moment that won hearts, young left-arm wrist spinner Vignesh Puthur bowed down to touch Nita Ambani’s feet after receiving the ‘Best Bowler’ award from the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise owner. The gesture, reflecting his humility and gratitude, took place in the MI dressing room following the team’s defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2025 season opener.
Chasing a modest target of 156, CSK were cruising despite the early dismissal of opener Rahul Tripathi in the second over. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra stitched a quickfire 67-run partnership off just 6.1 overs, with Gaikwad notching up his fastest IPL fifty in just 22 balls.
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However, Vignesh Puthur, making his IPL debut, turned the game on its head with a sensational spell. Despite never having played state cricket before, the 24-year-old spinner made his presence felt by dismissing three seasoned Indian internationals — Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda — reducing CSK from 78/1 to 107/4 in the 12th over. Vignesh finished with impressive figures of 3 for 32 in his four-over spell.
Though CSK ultimately secured victory with five balls to spare and four wickets in hand, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s match-winning knock of 65 not out from 45 balls, Vignesh’s valiant effort became the talking point.
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After receiving MI’s ‘Best Bowler’ award from Nita Ambani, Vignesh humbly expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the MI franchise for giving me the opportunity to play the match. I never thought in my life I would play with these players. I am very happy. Team, we could’ve won. Thanks so much, and especially our captain Surya bhai was very supportive. That’s why I never felt that much pressure. And thanks to all my teammates for supporting me.”
The symbolic gesture of touching Nita Ambani’s feet as a mark of respect has earned Vignesh widespread admiration, showcasing not just his talent but also his grounded and respectful demeanor.