IPL 2026: Arshdeep Singh is fully fit, actively training and raring to go, says PBKS
New Delhi, May 18
Punjab Kings on Monday issued a strong clarification around the fitness of their lead fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, insisting that the left‑arm pacer is "fully fit" and has been actively training with the squad ahead of a crucial phase in IPL 2026.
Contrary to recent reports suggesting concerns over his availability, the franchise confirmed that Arshdeep, who is also their highest wicket‑taker this season with 14 scalps in 13 games, remains central to their plans.
"Contrary to reports, we would like to confirm that our leading fast bowler and highest wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh, is fully fit and has been actively training with the squad. The team management is absolutely pleased with his progress, and he is raring to go as we head into a crucial contest of the tournament.
"His energy, rhythm, and commitment in the nets have been extremely encouraging, and we are confident that he will continue to play a key role for Punjab Kings moving forward as well," said the franchise in its statement on Monday.
Barely two months after scaling the heights with back‑to‑back Men's T20 World Cup triumphs, Arshdeep hasn't been at his best and him being unusually expensive has been a reason behind PBKS' dramatic dip in form, this undoing the momentum they had built at the midway point of the competition.
It hasn't also helped that Arshdeep, who hasn't executed his yorkers and bouncers with great effect, has been at the receiving end of social media controversies - from calling Tilak Varma 'andhera' in a Snapchat video to being spotted with his alleged girlfriend Samreen Kaur.
Coming to PBKS, their campaign has gone into a sharp freefall in the last three weeks, and their playoffs hopes suffered another blow with a 23-run defeat to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamshala.
With just one match left against Lucknow Super Giants, PBKS can finish with a maximum of 15 points. But they are still dependent on other results to fall in their favour and enter the last four stage of the ten-team competition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Fully fit is good news, but let's be real – his economy rate has been terrible this season. PBKS management needs to stop giving these PR statements and actually fix the bowling plan. Arshdeep is world-class but even he can't win matches alone when the team keeps losing momentum. Just one match left and we're depending on other results 😞
As a neutral fan from Canada, I've been following Arshdeep since the T20 World Cup. The guy has immense talent but these off-field distractions (Snapchat video, girlfriend controversy) are clearly affecting his game. Hope PBKS gives him the space to just focus on cricket. He's too good to be bogged down by this drama.
Honestly feel bad for Arshdeep. He's been carrying PBKS bowling attack all season and now people are just waiting to pounce on him. Yes, he's been expensive in some games, but look at the context – he's bowling in the powerplay and death overs against world-class batters. Give him some credit! Plus that Tilak Varma thing was blown way out of proportion. Let the man play cricket.
The real issue here is PBKS management deflecting attention. Arshdeep being fit is great, but they've lost 5 of their last 6 games! One player, even a world-class one, can't fix poor team selection and tactical blunders. Time for the franchise to stop issuing clarifications and start fixing their cricket.
Arshdeep is a gem of Indian cricket! 🇮
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