- June 3, 2025
Let’s be honest – during those final overs of the IPL (pun intended), every little thing could mean the world to us. One misfield, one dot ball, one bad day from a key bowler, and your hopes of the playoffs are gone. So, when you have a bowler like Arshdeep Singh (one of Punjab Kings’ biggest bowling weapons) and he goes wicketless in 4 out of 5 games, you can’t help but wonder. Is Arshdeep a little off, or are we just overreacting to a mini-bad patch?
With PBKS edging close to euphoria (or despair), Arshdeep’s form has become the elephant in the room. So let’s take a step back – what is going on with him, and should PBKS be concerned?
Is It a Slump or Just the Calm Before the Storm?
Let’s wind it back a bit. Arshdeep Singh, left-arm seamer who can swing it, and nail yorkers in the death—what’s not to like? But the numbers since the return of IPL 2025 tell a different story. Four wicketless appearances in five games aren’t good, especially leading into the important knockout stage.
Arshdeep is trying too hard now—out-bluffing batters, experimenting more than he usually does, and both deliberately and accidentally not playing to his strength of playing to his field and plan. And let’s face it, batters in the IPL are smart enough not to get caught up in unnecessary mind games. Less is sometimes better.
As one expert mentioned, if the second Arshdeep can get that early wicket, especially in the Powerplay phase, you would likely see a completely different Arshdeep.
The Bowling Puzzle: Is PBKS Playing the Right Cards?
This season, Punjab Kings have struggled a little with their bowling combinations. They’ve got options and print David Warner out or play Anil Kumble; Kagiso Rabada’s express pace, Harshal Patel’s variants, and spin options in Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar have depth. Many of their problems stem from how to best deploy them, and ultimately, reverse those overwhelming losses.
Might not matter which bowler is used, only when they are used, and how they are deployed. Maybe a small change to their bowling plans or field set-up can benefit Arshdeep Singh, rather than conceding to a bowler like Harpreet Brar (who has been great when called upon).
It’s not like Punjab’s bowling options are woeful, and how they are utilized might merely require days of minor tactical adjustments. The same is true for feigned or in the shape of a game-day performance. Provided each change is simple to fathom and deliberate. When there is only a game or two in the inaugural tournament’s super six, modifying the playing XI might be more of an issue than it is an opportunity for positive change.
The Stage Is Set – Will Arshdeep Bring the Heat?
We’ve seen it before. Arshdeep is not a stranger to pressure. He’s played for India, bowled in the death overs and held his nerve in tight IPL games, and has taken the most important wickets and bowled match-winning spells to silence his critics. So, one poor patch shouldn’t wipe out all of that, right? No way.
Punjab Kings don’t just need Arshdeep to ignite, they need Arshdeep to also believe he can. And if he does, good luck to everyone else. Because when Arshdeep is rolling, PBKS are a different animal.
So it’s over to you. Will Arshdeep bounce back in time to send Punjab into the biggest game of the season? Or is it time to take a chance on a different combo? Whether you agree or disagree, let us know in the comments!
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