Who is Vishnu Vinod? Kerala’s star batter bought by Punjab Kings

Vishnu Vinod, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Kerala, has entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh and was subsequently bought by Punjab Kings for INR 95 lakh. The cricketer from Chengannur, Alappuzha, was bought by Punjab after some intense bidding. 

In his career, Vishnu has represented Kerala in all formats of the game. To date, he has played 29 first-class matches, amassing 1,060 runs, including two centuries and as many half-centuries. In List A cricket, he has scored 1,773 runs in 53 games, with six centuries and four fifties to his name. He has also been a standout in the 50-over format, hitting 81 sixes.

Vishnu has equally excelled in T20 cricket, having played 61 matches. He has accumulated 1,591 runs, which includes a century and eight fifties. His ability to clear the boundary is evident with 80 sixes in the shortest format.

While Vishnu's domestic record is impressive, he has also had stints in the IPL. Over the years, he has been part of four IPL teams: Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he has only featured in 6 matches, scoring 56 runs, for Mumbai and Bangalore.

At the IPL 2025 mega auction, Vishnu Vinod was bought by Punjab Kings for INR 95 lakh. His bidding process saw an exciting back-and-forth, with Kolkata Knight Riders making the initial bid of INR 30 lakh, followed by Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings. Ultimately, Punjab Kings emerged victorious with the highest bid.

Vishnu Vinod was born on December 2, 1993, in Kallissery, Chengannur, Alappuzha district, Kerala. He completed his schooling at MGM Higher Secondary School, Thiruvalla, and High School Ranni, Perunad. Vishnu graduated with a BA in Political Science from Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla.

Notably, Vishnu was Kerala’s top run-scorer in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 508 runs in 8 matches at an impressive average of 63.50, including three centuries.