Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund believes the Punjab Kings do not have enough backup for off-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Squad Strengthening
The Punjab Kings have strengthened their squad with key domestic picks like Vishnu Vinod and Praveen Dubey, along with Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly for middle-order balance in the mini auction. Mukund praised the team’s smart additions but noted that spin depth needs attention.
Mukund’s Analysis
Analyzing the Punjab Kings’ balanced approach, Mukund stated, “Punjab Kings didn’t need much heading into the auction, having already invested heavily earlier. The only concern is Yuzvendra Chahal not featuring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy — so it’s unclear if they have enough backup for him. They’ve added Praveen Dubey, a leg-spinner from Karnataka, and Cooper Connolly, who’s an exciting left-handed all-rounder capable of batting anywhere from three to five. That versatility definitely adds value to their middle order,” said Mukund on JioStar.
Vishnu Vinod’s Background
Vishnu joined Bangalore in 2017 as a replacement for the injured KL Rahul, playing three matches before being released. He remained unsold for the next three seasons, then was picked by Delhi in 2021 but did not play. After stints with Hyderabad and Mumbai as a backup wicketkeeper, he was signed by Punjab ahead of the 2025 season.
Uthappa’s Praise for Vishnu
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa highlighted Vishnu Vinod as one of Punjab Kings’ most promising additions. “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 Inddigihunt, 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.”