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Arshdeep's Bowling Woes a Concern for PBKS Playoffs: Chawla

Piyush Chawla has expressed concern over Arshdeep Singh's poor bowling form for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. Arshdeep conceded 68 runs against Rajasthan Royals, contributing to a 6-wicket loss despite a 222-run total. He has taken only 8 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of nearly 11. Chawla warns that his failures could haunt PBKS in the upcoming playoffs.

Key Points: Arshdeep Singh's Form Worries PBKS Ahead of IPL Playoffs

  • Arshdeep Singh conceded 68 runs vs RR, failing to defend 222
  • He has taken only 8 wickets in 8 matches at nearly 11 RPO
  • Piyush Chawla calls it a major concern for PBKS playoffs
  • PBKS top the table with 13 points despite the loss
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'It is a matter of concern when you're going into playoffs,' says Chawla on Arshdeep's bowling woes

Piyush Chawla warns that Arshdeep Singh's poor form, with just 8 wickets in 8 matches at 11 RPO, could hurt Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026 playoffs.

"A game or two games here and there, you can expect him to do badly, but it's happening most of the time. Then it is a matter of concern. - Piyush Chawla"

New Chandigarh, April 29

Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla has raised concerns over Punjab Kings fast bowler Arshdeep Singh's poor bowling, saying that the senior pacer's continuous failures could haunt Punjab Kings in the playoffs.

India's highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Arshdeep, was looking out of touch at PCA New International Stadium on Tuesday and conceded 68 runs as the Shreyas Iyer-led side failed to defend a mammoth total of 222 runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and lost their first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by 6 wickets.

Chawla feels that Arshdeep's poor performance throughout the season, in which he has taken just eight wickets in eight matches, is a significant problem for the Punjab Kings, who are aiming for their first trophy.

"A game or two games here and there, you can expect [him to do badly], but it's happening most of the time. Then it is a matter of concern, because if you look at the bigger picture - when you're going into the playoffs - then you have to think about it. What if something like this happened in a playoff game? Then you're playing a catch-up game. It's not that you're sitting comfortably," he told ESPNCricinfo.

According to Chawla, Arshdeep is known to take wickets in the power play, and if he fails to do so, then the left-arm pacer concedes a lot of runs.

"He's somebody who's known to pick up wickets with the new ball, and that's not been happening. The game (where) he picks up wickets with the new ball, he ends up bowling a wonderful spell. That's what happened against MI (3 for 22). But this season, he's going at almost 11 runs per over. And I understand that he bowls those difficult overs in the powerplay and then at the death, but still he's your still premium bowler," he added.

Meanwhile, after the defeat, PBKS still sits at the top of the points table with 13 points in 8 matches. They will next face the Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 3.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
I'm not Indian but I follow IPL closely. Arshdeep has been a hero for India in T20Is, but his IPL form is concerning. Punjab's management needs to handle this carefully—don't drop him, but maybe give him a specific role to rebuild confidence. Every team has slumps.
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Rohit P
Arshdeep's economy of 11+ is worrying, but let's not forget he's been bowling in the toughest phases—powerplay and death. PBKS still top of the table, so it's not all doom and gloom. But Chawla's point about the playoffs is valid: you need your strike bowler firing. Maybe rest him for a game and let him reset? 🏏
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James A
It's interesting how Indian fans are so passionate about IPL. From a neutral perspective, Arshdeep is still a quality bowler, but form is temporary. Punjab have the depth to manage this—they're not dependent on one player. The bigger issue is whether they can win the big moments, and that's where experience matters.
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Aditya G
Chawla's analysis is spot on. Arshdeep's strength is the new ball, but if that's not clicking, he's getting smashed. In the IPL, consistency is key, and 8 wickets in 8 matches isn't good enough for a premier bowler. That said, Punjab should stick with him—dropping him could dent his confidence further. Maybe a chat with senior players will help. 😤
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Kavya N
Honestly, I think the pressure of IPL expectations is getting to Arshdeep. He's a young guy who

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