Some thoughts on the OP:

• You don't show the output you expect from the given input;
• You don't show the code of the  field_split() function in its current state (this has been subsequently supplied here);
• You don't mention that the indices you're passing to the  field_split() function are 1-based and not 0-based.

All these pieces of info would have been useful as the foundation of a helpful answer. Furthermore, a Test::More testing framework based on the current implementation would have been an enticement to a quick answer as well as a convenient way to present some of the items of information mentioned above; please see How to ask better questions using Test::More and sample data. See also the Short, Self Contained, Correct (Compilable), Example.

In short, please help us to help you.

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