Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes has publicly backed Arshdeep Singh amid the franchise’s rough stretch in IPL 2026, after a run of results that has left the team teetering. Punjab Kings have lost six consecutive matches, and the slide has pushed them out of a comfortable position in terms of playoff control. With only one game left, they face a demanding task: not only win, but also rely on other outcomes to fall in line to keep their postseason hopes alive.
As the season has moved into its later stages, several players have faced increased scrutiny due to Punjab Kings’ sharp dip in form. Among the most discussed has been Arshdeep, the left-arm pacer, who has struggled to take wickets consistently at regular intervals. During this difficult phase, his output has become a focal point for criticism and debate, though support from the coaching staff suggests the franchise still believes he can turn things around as the campaign reaches its final stretch.
Hopes made his stance clear following Punjab Kings’ latest setback in IPL 2026. He lauded Arshdeep’s work ethic and mindset, arguing that the bowler’s effort has remained present even when results have not. The bowling coach highlighted what he sees as Arshdeep’s steadiness, attacking intent, and commitment in both training and matches, stressing that the current wicket tally does not necessarily represent a lack of application.
“I think, to be honest, Arshdeep bowled well in the back half of the tournament, like, very well. He’s been aggressive. There’s been players and misses. There’s been catches dropping short of people, and some missed opportunities. He fronts up every training session, every game, ready to go. And today was no different. He’s a warrior,” Hopes said during the post-match media interaction.
So far this season, the left-arm pacer has taken 14 wickets at an economy rate of 9.78.
Punjab Kings have also had to manage a steady stream of off-field talk alongside their on-field problems. From Arshdeep reportedly calling Tilak Varma “andhera” to Yuzvendra Chahal being allegedly spotted vaping on a flight, the franchise has found itself linked to multiple controversies. Those incidents have intensified the pressure environment, leaving both the players and the organisation under an unfavourable spotlight during a period when performances have already been under strain.
Hopes, however, dismissed the possibility that distractions away from the field were the main reason behind Punjab Kings’ decline. He pushed back on the narrative that off-field matters derailed their campaign, pointing instead to repeated on-field mistakes and missed chances at crucial points. With the team facing growing scrutiny after a poor run of results, the bowling coach insisted that the turning point has been their inability to control momentum during games.
“I don’t think any off-field stuff derailed our campaign. What derailed our campaign was our inability to take control of the momentum in games. Every time it looked like we were about to do it, we’d do something to hurt ourselves or trip ourselves up,” he added.
