Punjab Kings’ squad is solid, but Chahal’s backup could be a weak point, says former India bowler Abhinav Mukund
(NEW DELHI, Dec. 27) – In a recent interview with JioStar, former Indian off‑spinner Abhinav Mukund said the Punjab Kings’ recent haul of domestic talent keeps the team competitive, but the franchise may still lack depth behind its ace spin bowler, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The team added a trio of players in the mini‑auction: Karnataka leg‑spiner Praveen Dubey, left‑handed all‑rounder Cooper Connolly, and wicket‑keeper‑batsman Vishnu Vinod. Mukund praised the move, noting that the Kings “didn’t need much heading into the auction, having already invested heavily earlier.” He added, “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 Pravin 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.”
A brief look at Vinod’s career shows a journeyman who has been on and off various squads. After stepping in for KL Rahul with Bangalore in 2017, he was released and went unsold for three years. He joined Delhi in 2021 but didn’t play, then spent stints at Hyderabad and Mumbai as a backup wicket‑keeper before landing with Punjab ahead of the 2025 season.
Former India captain Robin Uthappa spoke highly of the new signing. “Vishnu Vinod is a really exciting signing for Punjab Kings, and I genuinely hope he gets regular opportunities in the IPL,” Uthappa said. “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.”
With the 2026 IPL on the horizon, the Kings appear balanced overall but still face the challenge of ensuring they have a reliable backup to Chahal, who has been a key part of India’s spin attack in recent years. The team’s smart acquisitions suggest they are aiming for a well‑fledged side, but only the next season will show whether the deeper spin options will play out as expected.
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