- June 4, 2025
You know when you’re not vibing anymore with your usual playlists? That’s what Arshdeep Singh is experiencing this IPL season. Acting as the left-arm go-to option with the new ball, Arshdeep’s recent performances have left us with a lot of questions. The early season excitement he provided seems to have gone missing; even if there has been an early season drop off, we have to wonder, Is it a rhythm? Bowling plans? pressure? Let’s try and figure out why Arshdeep has struggled for form and what might be going on underneath it all.
The Powerplay Problem: Numbers Don’t Lie
Before the mid-season break, Arshdeep Singh was flying high, under 8 economy and taking wickets at will. Since returning from the break, everything has changed. His economy must be something close to 11 in the powerplay — but the most shocking part is he has not taken a single wicket in the powerplay since returning from the break. This is when the power plays start materially affecting the match and taking shape. The role is there for Arshdeep. Early wickets; taking wickets with his left-arm angle and dangerousness is easy enough.
Before the break, he was pitching it up, chasing a swing. After the break, he has been more defensive. Whether his change in execution has been tactical or a loss in form, the reality is that it is causing an impact that is being reflected on the scoreboard.
Has the “Cute” Strategy Backfired?
There is a change in Arshdeep’s mindset; he wants to set up batters rather than blast them out. But is that what he needs at this stage of his career?
Arshdeep’s go-to ball is the sharply swinging back-in delivery. That is his weapon. However, he has just been using up his swings to throw away swinishers (probably down on pace at 128-129) and retaining his effort ball (135+) for the surprise in swinging back in.
He is playing the game with a bit of craftiness, and maybe he is just a bit too crafty. He’s going all in on the cricket analyst theory: you finally have the new ball – and only 12 balls – so why not bring it out straight away? Swing it in, target the pads, and do not waste it. Not Arshdee,p though – he wants to play the long game in a short format.
Rhythm or Role Confusion?
Let’s discuss rhythm. Bowlers live and die by it. With Arshdeep, you could make a strong argument that he just hasn’t found his rhythm since the season began again.
There could be many factors at play – changes in match schedules, tactical changes by team management, or just a more generalized dip in his confidence. Add to that the stress of playing with matches with really high stakes and, potentially, messages about his role in the bowling attack that were not that clear, and it creates an interesting situation of inconsistency.
Some of the dip might also be down to a variation in how he’s being utilised—possibly fewer upfront overs, more overs at the death, or vice versa. In a format like T20, where roles need to be clear, even the slightest uncertainty can carry over to performance. Right now, Arshdeep appears to be a bowler stuck between two separate versions of himself: the fearless powerplay hunter or the intelligent, economical support bowler. Unfortunately, he appears to be neither.
What are your thoughts–does Arshdeep stick to his strengths, or continue to evolve into a smart operator tactically? Leave your thoughts the comments section. Let’s chew the fat on cricket, the way fans do.
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