IPL 2026: IPL winner unearths hidden gem for Punjab Kings for upcoming season
Former Kolkata Knight Riders and India cricketer Robin Uthappa has suggested Punjab Kings to utilize the services of uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod wisely ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League. The youngster has played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals in the past, and has been picked by PBKS for the next season.
Uthappa shared that someone like the young stumper-batter can be a superb addition to the batting line-up of the two-time runners-up, and can well be the performer that takes the franchise to their maiden title lift in the marquee tournament. He feels that Punjab require depth to their batting unit and the inclusion of Vishnu Vinod in there will help them achieve that to maximize their first-inning totals as well as chase big targets.
PBKS need a backup for Yuzvendra Chahal: Abhinav Mukund"Vishnu Vinod is a really exciting signing for Punjab Kings, and I genuinely hope he gets regular opportunities in the IPL. We’ve only seen glimpses of his ability during his stint with Mumbai Indians, but he’s got phenomenal talent. His inclusion adds depth to the middle order and even offers a potential fast-bowling option. There's a lot of value he can bring to this setup," Uthappa said via JioStar.
Meanwhile, former cricketer Abhinav Mukund has also opined that the fitness concerns surrounding star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal after the latter's absence from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and then the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy hint at the need to get a backup on board. Mukund suggested that the likes of Praveen Dubey or Cooper Connolly may be able to provide that option, however, reliability on Chahal remains heavy.