The development had come as a shocker more so due to MI unearthing the Mallapuram-based Puthur from their vast scouting network and had impressed many in the franchise\u2019s trials. Their faith in Puthur was vindicated when he dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda on debut in Chennai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But sources aware of the development told IANS that Puthur being released by MI is more due to his ongoing injury recovery. \u201cVignesh is recovering from an injury sustained in Kerala Cricket League and MI will be continuing to support him in his rehab despite releasing him ahead of IPL 2026 auction, to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi,\u201d further said sources.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Puthur had been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to bone stress reactions in both shins and was replaced by Raghu Sharma for the remainder of the season, where MI finished at third place. Though Puthur recovered to play two games for Alleppey Ripples in KCL 2025, he was then ruled out of the competition with a shin injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, trade discussions between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul reportedly fell through after one of DC\u2019s two co-owners intervened to halt the deal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It is understood that the same owner played a key role in securing Nitish Rana\u2019s move to DC from Rajasthan Royals (RR), a move that surprised many within the IPL ecosystem, considering the latter were in definitive talks with KKR to trade Rana, who represented them from 2018 to 2024.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, trade discussions between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul reportedly fell through after one of DC\u2019s two co-owners intervened to halt the deal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe would need some time for rest and plan plus prepare for his wedding after playing for Australia in the Men\u2019s T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March. His focus right now is more on excelling for Australian cricket,\u201d further said sources. <\/p>\r\n\r\n