Vishal Nishad

Vishal Nishad is a 20-year-old leg-spinner from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, who was signed by Punjab Kings for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. His story is one of the most inspiring of the season; before his cricketing breakthrough, Nishad worked as a laborer alongside his family to make ends meet. His rise to the IPL ranks was fueled by a stellar performance in the 2025 Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he represented the Gorakhpur Lions. Known as a 'mystery spinner' due to his deceptive variations and sharp leg-break, he claimed 12 wickets in the tournament, including a standout spell of 3/45 against the Noida Kings.

Despite being uncapped at the senior state level, Nishad’s raw talent and high ceiling caught the attention of the Punjab Kings’ scouts, who have a reputation for unearthing domestic gems. Standing out for his aggressive mindset, he recently made headlines by stating that if he takes the wicket of Virat Kohli in the 2026 season, he would 'touch his feet' out of respect—a comment that endeared him to fans across the country. As he joins a spin department led by veteran Yuzvendra Chahal, Nishad is viewed as a high-potential project player who provides the Kings with a fresh, unpredictable wicket-taking option for the middle overs.