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Irfan Pathan Urges Arshdeep Singh to Sharpen New-Ball Skills for IPL 2026

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised pacer Arshdeep Singh to focus on improving his new-ball bowling ahead of IPL 2026. Pathan noted a decline in Singh's ability to bowl inswing with the new ball over the past year. Despite being a consistent wicket-taker for Punjab Kings, his economy rate remains a point of attention. Singh, retained for Rs 18 Crore, is crucial to Punjab's hopes of winning their first IPL title.

Key Points: Pathan's Advice for Arshdeep Singh Ahead of IPL 2026

  • Pathan highlights new-ball concern
  • Notes decline in swing bowling
  • Points to economy rate focus
  • Singh is key for Punjab Kings' title hopes
2 min read

"Arshdeep Singh needs to focus on how he bowls with new ball": Irfan Pathan ahead of IPL 2026

Irfan Pathan says Arshdeep Singh must focus on new-ball bowling and economy rate for Punjab Kings to succeed in the upcoming IPL season.

"One thing he will definitely need to focus on is how he bowls with the new ball. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, March 25

After winning the T20 World Cup 20-26 trophy, the Indian seamer Arshdeep Singh is aiming to win an IPL title with the Punjab Kings, but the former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that the lanky seamer needs to focus on how he bowls with the new ball.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said, "Arshdeep, who was your highest wicket-taker, has been consistently taking wickets. One thing he will definitely need to focus on is how he bowls with the new ball. Because over the past year, or slightly less than a year, from what I have observed, he hasn't been bowling much inswing with the new ball."

The 27-year-old pacer from Punjab is known to strike early with his accurate length deliveries. He took nine wickets in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, which India retained after defeating New Zealand in the final at Ahmedabad.

Pathan acknowledged that Arshdeep's stats have declined with the new ball, and he needs to pay attention to that.

"His statistics, compared to before and after the Asia Cup, have slightly declined in terms of new-ball bowling. He will need to pay attention to that, and also keep an eye on his economy rate," said Pathan.

Arshdeep Singh has been consistent for the Punjab Kings since his IPL debut in 2019. He has taken 97 wickets in 82 IPL matches for the franchise with a concerning economy rate of nine.

He was retained by the Kings before the 2025 IPL auction for Rs 18 Crore, and he played a vital role in taking his side to the final, where they eventually lost to the first-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Singh is also the leading wicket-taker for India in the T20Is with 127 wickets in 84 matches. He is expected to play a big role for Punjab if the Kings are looking to finish this season with a trophy.

Punjab Kings full squad for IPL 2026: Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Cooper Connolly (Rs 3 Cr), Pravin Dubey (Rs 30 lakh), Vishal Nishad (Rs 30 lakh), Ben Dwarshuis (Rs 4.40 Cr).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. His economy rate of 9 in the IPL is a bit worrying, especially for someone who bowls at the death. But he's a proven match-winner for India. Punjab Kings need him at his best to finally win that trophy.
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Ananya R
He was our hero in the World Cup! But Pathan Sir is correct, stats don't lie. With that price tag of 18 Cr, the expectations are sky-high. PBKS fans have waited too long. This season, Arshdeep bhai, please bring the cup home! 🏆
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the focus is too much on one player. Yes, he's key, but look at that squad - Stoinis, Chahal, Iyer... it's a strong team on paper. They need to click as a unit. One bowler's new ball spell won't decide the whole tournament.
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Karthik V
Leading wicket-taker for India in T20Is! That's no small feat. The guy has temperament. A little technical feedback from a legend is how champions improve. I have full faith he'll come back stronger. #SherAayaPunjab
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Priya S
The economy rate is the real issue, not just the new ball. In T20, every over counts. Maybe he's trying too many variations early on? Sometimes keeping it simple and hitting that hard length is enough. Good luck to him and PBKS!

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