Benched in 2025, Vishnu Vinod Blasts 162; Eyes IPL 2026 Spot

• Vishnu Vinod, benched by Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, scored an unbeaten 162 runs off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
• His explosive innings included 14 sixes and 13 fours, helping Kerala chase down 248 against Puducherry with Baba Aparajith.
• This performance significantly strengthens his claim for a spot in Punjab Kings' playing XI for IPL 2026.
• Vinod also completed 100 sixes in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming only the third batsman to achieve this feat.
• Punjab Kings bought him for 95 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction; he previously played for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Why It Matters: Vishnu Vinod's explosive 162-run knock in Vijay Hazare Trophy boosts his IPL 2026 prospects.