IPL 2026: Ex-India player names Uncapped Player who can play huge role for Punjab Kings

Former India player Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on an uncapped Indian player who can play a huge part for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026 season.

Kings, who finished as runners-up in IPL 2025, managed

to retain the majority of their squad ahead of the mini auction.

The Kings have a number of talented uncapped players, who did exceedingly well last season. But Pathan reckons Kerala's Vishnu Vinod can play a key part for them.

Punjab Kings retained Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman Vishnu Vinod ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, securing the explosive player from their 2025 squad. Acquired for INR 95 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction after a bidding war with Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, Vinod brings dynamic opening firepower and reliable glovework.

And while speaking at Jio Hotstar's Auction Review, Pathan pointed out Vinod's ability, which can be of huge help for the Kings. Although the Kerala player didn't play a single game in IPL 2025, he is expected to get more chances this season.

"Vishnu Vinod is a really exciting signing (retention) 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," Pathan said.

Vinod has so far played six matches in the IPL and has just 56 runs to his name. His debut in the IPL came for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2017, while the last time the Kerala batter played in IPL was in 2023 for Mumbai Indians.

The 32-year-old had a decent Kerala Cricket League campaign and has backed that up with a robust start for his state team in the domestic tournaments. He played a few decent cameos in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and his latest blitzkrieg came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Tripura, where Vinod scored an unbeaten 102 off just 62 deliveries.