Punjab Kings fast bowler Xavier Bartlett has praised Arshdeep Singh’s impact in the current IPL campaign, describing the India seamer as “amazing” and pointing to the experience Arshdeep brings to help fellow pacers fine-tune their game in Indian playing conditions. Bartlett, who has been used in rotation for Punjab Kings this season, has taken four wickets in IPL 2026 so far, with his best match figures reading 2/9 as he continues to settle into a pace group that features Arshdeep alongside Marco Jansen and Vijaykumar Vyshak.
Bartlett on Arshdeep, adaptation and the Punjab Kings set-up
- Bartlett highlighted how much he has enjoyed working with Arshdeep, saying the right-arm seamer’s familiarity with local conditions has been crucial to his own development.
- He added that Arshdeep’s influence extends beyond match days, pointing to the effort and improvement he has seen from the last 12 months during training.
- On adjusting his bowling in India, Bartlett explained that conditions can differ from Australia, where the length can be attacked with more regular assistance from the pitch.
- The Queenslander said his focus has included developing additional slower-ball options and honing his yorker execution, which he believes he has improved over the past couple of years, while still insisting there is “massive room for improvement”.
- Bartlett also stressed the value of togetherness within Punjab Kings’ bowling unit, noting that the group’s variety comes from having different styles and strengths in the attack.
- He credited the environment created by head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer for Punjab Kings’ steady start, saying the confidence they instil day to day has played a key role in the team’s early success.
- Bartlett singled out Shreyas Iyer’s calmness on the field, saying that composure—particularly when fielding at mid-off—helps keep emotions in check.
Why Bartlett believes the Impact Player rule improves T20 cricket
The Australian quick also weighed in on the IPL’s “Impact Player” concept, arguing that it adds value by giving players a clearer path into the game. He drew a comparison with the Big Bash League’s X-factor approach, under which he received early opportunities in his career.
- Bartlett said he believes the rule “gets you into the game” and that it helps players get meaningful exposure rather than waiting on the bench.
- He suggested that without those early chances, his career trajectory could have looked very different.
- He concluded that such evolving adjustments are part of how T20 cricket continues to adapt, and that it makes the tournament more exciting.
Bartlett’s international and domestic record, plus his Test ambition
Bartlett has also made an impressive start for Australia at international level. He has taken 15 wickets in his first five ODIs, averaging around 11, including best figures of 4/17. In T20 internationals, he has collected 24 wickets from 21 matches. In domestic cricket, he has been a reliable performer for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, registering 111 wickets across 32 games at an average of 25.77.
Despite his progress in white-ball cricket, Bartlett reiterated that Test cricket remains his long-term target. He said he would love to play Tests for Australia and spoke about growing up with the ambition of earning the “baggy green”. He also noted that Australia currently boasts an “unbelievable” pace attack, making selection difficult, but added that he is steadily working toward that goal.
