Vignesh Puthur Biography: The Auto-Driver's Son Who Broke Jonty Rhodes' World Record (2025)

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Vignesh Puthur: The "Auto-Driver’s Son" Who Broke a 32-Year-Old World Record

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Image Source: Official Player Profile, Rajasthan Royals,

​In the quiet town of Perinthalmanna, Kerala, there is an auto-rickshaw driver named Sunil Kumar. For years, Sunil worked extra shifts, driving through the heat and rain to ensure his only son, Vignesh, could have a leather ball and a pair of spikes. In 2025, that son didn't just repay the debt; he wrote his name in the history books of world cricket.

​The "Mystery" in His Fingers

​Vignesh Puthur is a rare breed—a Left-arm Chinaman (wrist spinner). He didn’t start as a spinner; he was a medium pacer in school. It was only during his time at St. Thomas College, while pursuing a Master’s in Literature, that he transitioned to spin. This "mystery" bowling style caught the eye of Mumbai Indians' scouts during the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).

​The World Record: Surpassing Jonty Rhodes

​While Vignesh gained fame in IPL 2025 for dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, his most "legendary" moment happened just this week. On December 24, 2025, playing for Kerala against Tripura in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Vignesh did the unthinkable:

  • ​He took 6 catches as an outfielder in a single innings.
  • ​He broke the world record of 5 catches held by legends like Jonty Rhodes (1993) and Harry Brook.
  • ​He became the first player in the history of List A cricket to achieve this feat.

​The "Dhoni" Blessing and the 2026 Future

​After his IPL debut against CSK earlier this year, a viral image showed MS Dhoni patting Vignesh on the back, sharing a few words of wisdom. That "stamp of approval" from Captain Cool changed Vignesh’s life.

​Though Mumbai Indians released him due to an injury mid-season, the Rajasthan Royals didn't miss the chance. In the IPL 2026 auction held recently in Abu Dhabi, they snatched him up for ₹30 Lakh. As we enter 2026, Vignesh is no longer just a "replacement player"; he is a world-record holder and a national sensation.

​The Footprint of a Father

​What makes Vignesh a legend for your blog is his humility. When he was bought in the auction, his father didn't buy a new car or throw a party. He went back to driving his auto-rickshaw the next morning. Vignesh says, "Every time I take a wicket, I remember the sound of my father's auto engine. That is what keeps me running."

​⚡ Legendary Quick Facts: Vignesh Puthur

  • ​World Record: First player to take 6 catches in a List A match (Dec 2025).
  • ​Family Background: Son of an auto-rickshaw driver (Sunil Kumar) from Malappuram, Kerala.
  • ​The "Mystery": One of the very few Left-arm wrist spinners in Indian domestic cricket.
  • ​IPL Journey: Debuted for MI in 2025; signed by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026.
  • ​Academic Legend: Holds a Master’s Degree in Literature.
Location: Kerala, India

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