DHARAMSHALA: Arshdeep Singh appeared noticeably different from his usual self during a practice session on Saturday afternoon. Ahead of Punjab Kings’ pivotal clash against table-topping Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the left-arm pacer largely avoided the routine, light-hearted exchanges that often happen in team drills. Instead, he spent significant time in focused discussion with Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting, offering a rare glimpse of how low his mood has been in the middle of a difficult IPL stretch. For a bowler known for sparking energy in the dressing room and for carrying a fierce, match-winning edge in pressure moments, Arshdeep’s current IPL form has felt subdued.
From World Cup highs to a tough IPL spell
Arshdeep had recently reached the peak of his career with back-to-back World Cup triumphs in the opening week of March. But within a couple of months, he now finds himself at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, struggling for rhythm and impact in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range in Dharamshala.
Punjab Kings’ fortunes have mirrored that decline. The franchise, which had been in the title conversation and had looked capable of sustaining momentum midway through the tournament, has since fallen away sharply. Arshdeep’s unusually inconsistent season has been cited as a key reason behind that drop-off, with questions growing over what might be affecting his bowling.
Why Punjab Kings believe the answer is physical
Among the explanations that have circulated are concerns around his fitness and whether he has been operating under physical constraints. Punjab Kings’ management, naturally, has been working to identify the cause rather than rely on speculation.
Andrew Leipus, Punjab Kings’ head of sports science, said the team reviewed Arshdeep’s body to determine whether any limitations were contributing to performances that swung between promise and struggle.
- Leipus said the staff worked closely with Arshdeep and checked whether there were any restrictions affecting his output.
- He added that the team believes it has identified the issue and that Arshdeep has been feeling better over the past couple of weeks physically.
- Leipus’ comments were framed as a potential explanation for why Arshdeep’s deliveries have looked short on their usual pace and sharpness.
In crunch situations, Arshdeep has found it harder to execute the yorkers and bouncers he had managed more consistently over the previous couple of seasons. That loss of “zip” and the inability to land certain variations at decisive moments has stood out, particularly when the match demands precision rather than effort.
Off-field chatter and dressing-room steadiness
While physical factors have taken centre stage in the latest assessment, there has also been ongoing discussion about distractions away from the field—especially around his social media activity. Leipus did not fully dismiss the noise, but he insisted that Arshdeep’s mindset inside the squad environment has remained stable.
- Leipus acknowledged that there has been chatter behind the scenes, including talk around vlogging and related matters.
- He said there has been little change in Arshdeep’s behaviour and attitude, describing him as “pretty much a flat line.”
- Leipus emphasised that Arshdeep gives his best on the field and remains a loud presence in the dressing room.
- He added that despite the external noise, Arshdeep is “very calm.”
Leipus further pointed to an example from the wider game, noting that the ICC’s decision to remove phones from the team setting helps reduce distractions. He suggested the real problem arises outside that controlled environment. He also said he has heard rumours and that, if those reports are accurate, the situation may need to be addressed.
Leadership calmness and the job ahead vs RCB
If Arshdeep needs a mental reset ahead of Sunday’s contest, Punjab Kings may not have to look far. The opposition dugout includes two experienced campaigners—Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar—both 37 years old, yet still finding ways to stay relevant and reinvent aspects of their games as modern T20 cricket moves at a relentless pace.
Leipus also highlighted that leadership has been steady during the rough phase. He said Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep have shown exemplary calmness while guiding the unit through difficult conditions.
- Leipus maintained that both Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep have led with composure during this challenging period.
- He indicated the next step is for them to deliver the turnaround on the field on Sunday.
That is the immediate focus as Punjab Kings prepare for the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamshala—where Arshdeep’s fitness progress, along with his leadership calm, will be tested against the tournament’s most consistent side.
