Punjab Kings speedster Arshdeep Singh produced a sharp, early-impact spell against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, helping PBKS maintain their momentum in the race for the top spot. The left-arm pacer struck with figures of 3 for 22 from his four overs and was named Player of the Match as Punjab chased down the target to win by seven wickets. With the result, Shreyas Iyer’s side stays the tournament’s only unbeaten team.
Arshdeep’s decisive burst
- Arshdeep started by striking twice in consecutive deliveries, pulling Mumbai Indians from 12 for 0 to 12 for 2 within 2.2 overs.
- He first dismissed Ryan Rickelton, then followed immediately by removing Suryakumar Yadav on the next ball.
- As the innings progressed, he added another blow by getting rid of Sherfane Rutherford with a precise yorker.
After the match, PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting highlighted the work Arshdeep put in during the lead-up to the game. Ponting said the bowler had been experimenting and refining elements of his action, noting that he sometimes trains heavily and can end up with unwanted habits—but claimed Arshdeep arrived with a clear focus. Ponting explained that the pacer spent about 30 to 40 minutes doing spot bowling to improve his release.
Ponting also pointed to the impact of that preparation on match execution, suggesting Arshdeep wasn’t finding the same shape with the new ball as expected earlier. He added that after putting in the effort the previous day, Arshdeep delivered an almost flawless first over against Mumbai.
The coach further revealed that he spoke with Arshdeep before he took the field, discussing specific plans for the opening phase. Ponting said he asked which ball Arshdeep wanted to bowl first against Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, and that the pacer outlined his intention to target the fourth line and swing it away.
According to Ponting, he advised Arshdeep to settle into his mark, picture the delivery, and then carry out the plan. Ponting praised how accurately the bowler executed it, adding that if Arshdeep continues to take early wickets in the same style, Punjab’s campaign will keep building from strength to strength.
