Veteran spinner Karn Sharma left Mumbai Indians (MI) worried after a thumb injury forced him to leave the field during the April 17 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The 37-year-old’s sudden exit, due to a severe cut on his bowling hand, could disrupt MI’s spin plans.
However, this opens the door for young Kerala talent Vignesh Puthur to step in. For more updates and stats, follow BRG365 for the latest insights!
Injury Timeline
Karn’s injury unfolded in the third over of SRH’s innings at Wankhede Stadium.
Diving to intercept a skier at mid-wicket, he gashed his thumb, leading to immediate blood loss and an early exit .
The incident robbed MI of four crucial overs from their seasoned spinner, who had started the game with a tidy 1-over spell (4 runs, 0 wickets).
Though MI won by 12 runs, the loss of Karn’s control—critical in midfield—cast a shadow over their bowling depth .
Karn Sharma: MI’s Spin Anchor
Karn Sharma’s stats in IPL 2025 have been impressive, even in his limited appearances.
In 2025, he has picked up 3 wickets in 1 match at an average of 12.00 and an economy rate of 9.00, showcasing his ability to break key partnerships.
His ability to dismiss top-order batters, such as David Warner (2024) and Shikhar Dhawan (2025), makes him a critical asset in MI’s spin strategy.
Karn Sharma’s IPL career spans 76 wickets in 105 matches at an average of 27.46, with his best bowling figures standing at 4/16.
His steady and reliable performances over the years have earned him the role of MI’s first-choice spinner, and his absence has created a vacuum in the spin attack.
2025 Season Stats
Here’s a breakdown of Karn Sharma’s stats in the ongoing 2025 IPL season:
| Match | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate |
| 2025 Season | 3 | 12 | 9 |
MI’s Tactical Challenge
Without Karn, MI’s spin attack lacks experience. Kumar Kartikeya (2 wickets, 8.80 econ in 2025) and part-timer Will Jacks (2/14 vs SRH) stepped in vs SRH, but their inconsistency risks exposing MI’s midfield .
Karn’s absence is especially worrying against spin-friendly opponents like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who rely on Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali—batsmen Karn has dismissed 5 times in his career .
What’s Next for MI?
MI awaits clarity on Karn’s injury, with initial reports suggesting a 2–3 match absence due to the thumb laceration.
In his absence, Vignesh’s inclusion offers a dual benefit: injecting youth while maintaining spin potency.
The youngster’s recent form—1 wicket in 1 over vs RCB (April 7)—shows he thrives in high-stakes moments, mirroring Karn’s 2019 playoff heroics (4/16 vs CSK) .
Historical Context
MI’s 2022 season collapsed when injuries sidelined their spinners, costing them a playoff spot.
This time, Vignesh’s emergence could avoid a repeat, with the youngster already breaking records as Kerala’s most economical IPL spinner (8.40 econ in 2025) .
Final Whistle
Karn Sharma’s injury tests MI’s depth, but Vignesh Puthur’s rise offers a thrilling subplot. With 3 wickets at 12.00 avg this season, Karn’s absence is felt, but Vignesh’s 5-wicket haul in just 3 matches proves MI’s spin future is in safe hands.
As the team faces CSK, the clash between experience and youth could define their playoff push.
