Arshdeep Singh Struggles Continue Despite Punjab Kings Ending Losing Streak

Punjab Kings may have finally snapped their six-match losing streak in IPL 2026, but concerns around star pacer Arshdeep Singh continue to grow after another expensive outing against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow.

Arshdeep endured yet another difficult spell on Saturday, conceding runs at an alarming economy rate of 17.33 as Lucknow Super Giants scored at 9.80 runs per over. The left-arm pacer was so ineffective that Punjab Kings chose not to give him his final over.

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes the issue lies primarily in Arshdeep’s bowling lengths. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Rayudu pointed out that the pacer has drifted away from the fuller lengths that once made him such a dangerous bowler.

“He’s not someone who should be bowling a lot of short deliveries,” Rayudu said. “Even at the death, he should rely more on yorkers. His strength has always been pitching the ball up and allowing it to swing.”

Rayudu also suggested that Arshdeep may not possess the same sharpness he showed earlier in the year, hinting at possible physical fatigue after a packed international season.

“Maybe because of his body being tired, he doesn’t have the same juice as a few months back,” Rayudu added. “If he has to compensate, he needs to bowl fuller.”

Statistically, Arshdeep’s dip in form has been evident throughout IPL 2026. In IPL 2025, the pacer enjoyed significant success with fuller and good-length deliveries, taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.45. This season, however, those same deliveries have produced only seven wickets while leaking runs at 9.91 per over.

Against Lucknow, Arshdeep bowled 12 of his 18 deliveries either full or on a good length, while only six deliveries were short or back of a length. Despite that, almost every variation he attempted was punished by the batters.

Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher believes fatigue from international cricket and the IPL workload may be the main reason behind the decline.

“I think it’s just being tired after the T20 World Cup and then coming straight into the IPL,” Boucher said. “It’s natural for fatigue to catch up with players. I don’t think it has anything to do with his skill or talent.”

Arshdeep was one of India’s standout performers during the 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, operating as the team’s second frontline pacer behind Jasprit Bumrah. He finished the tournament with nine wickets from eight matches as India lifted the trophy.

However, his IPL 2026 campaign has been far from convincing. The left-arm quick has managed 14 wickets in 14 matches while conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.20. He is also one of only two bowlers this season to concede more than 500 runs, alongside Anshul Kamboj of Chennai Super Kings.

Despite the poor form, Arshdeep remains a crucial part of Punjab Kings’ setup. With the team still mathematically in contention depending on Sunday’s results, the pacer could get another opportunity to rediscover his rhythm and salvage what has otherwise been a disappointing season.