Punjab Kings have loved a dominant IPL 2026 marketing campaign, at the moment sitting on the prime of the factors desk. Below the management of Shreyas Iyer, they created historical past by turning into the primary franchise to stay unbeaten of their first six matches of an IPL season. Their aggressive model of cricket, mixed with robust performances from each batters and bowlers, made them the standout aspect of the match.
Nevertheless, their excellent run lastly got here to an finish when Rajasthan Royals pulled off a shocking chase of 223 in a high-scoring thriller. The defeat not solely halted Punjab’s profitable momentum but in addition uncovered sure considerations of their bowling unit, significantly throughout the demise overs. Whereas PBKS nonetheless stay one of many strongest contenders for the title, questions at the moment are being raised about whether or not their tempo assault can maintain up beneath strain within the essential ultimate phases of the match.
Piyush Chawla reveals the most important concern for PBKS
Former India spinner Piyush Chawla believes the most important concern for Punjab Kings lies within the type of their premier pacer, Arshdeep Singh. Talking on ESPNcricinfo, Chawla highlighted that Arshdeep’s incapacity to make early breakthroughs with the brand new ball has develop into a worrying signal for the franchise.
In line with Chawla, Arshdeep is at his greatest when he strikes within the powerplay and builds strain from the very starting. He identified that in matches the place the left-arm pacer has delivered with the brand new ball, Punjab’s bowling unit has regarded much more balanced and efficient. Nevertheless, this season, these early wickets haven’t come persistently.
Chawla additionally famous that Arshdeep’s economic system fee has been one other main problem. Regardless of understanding that the pacer usually bowls the hardest overs — throughout the powerplay and on the demise — he careworn {that a} premium bowler can not afford to leak runs recurrently at almost 11 runs per over.
“He’s anyone who’s recognized to choose up wickets with the brand new ball, and that’s not been occurring. The sport [where] he picks up wickets with the brand new ball, he finally ends up bowling an exquisite spell. That’s what occurred towards MI. However this season, he’s going at virtually 11 runs per over. And I perceive that he bowls these troublesome overs within the powerplay after which on the demise, however nonetheless he’s your nonetheless premium bowler,” mentioned Chawla on ESPNcricinfo.
He defined that occasional off-games are comprehensible in a protracted match, however when it turns into a repeated sample, it turns right into a severe concern. With the playoffs approaching, Chawla believes Punjab should handle this problem rapidly in the event that they need to keep their title cost.
“A recreation or two video games right here and there, you’ll be able to count on [him to do badly], however it’s occurring more often than not. Then it’s a matter of concern, as a result of in case you have a look at the larger image – whenever you’re going into the playoffs – then it’s important to give it some thought,” added Chawla.
Additionally WATCH: IPL 2026 – Priyansh Arya’s massive six injures fan in the stands during PBKS vs RR encounter
Difficult season for the star participant
Notably, Arshdeep has endured a troublesome marketing campaign with the ball this season regardless of Punjab’s general success. The left-arm seamer, often recognized for his calmness beneath strain and talent to ship in essential phases, has struggled to keep up management in a number of matches.
His hardest outing got here towards Rajasthan Royals, the place he conceded 68 runs in his four-over spell — the most costly spell of his IPL profession. It was a efficiency that instantly drew consideration, particularly contemplating the match scenario and Punjab’s want for robust execution on the demise.
The costly spell has additional intensified the controversy round his kind and effectiveness. Analysts and former gamers have began questioning whether or not Arshdeep is at the moment delivering on the stage anticipated from a lead Indian pacer in a title-chasing aspect.
Additionally WATCH: Riyan Parag under fire after being caught vaping inside dressing room during PBKS vs RR IPL 2026 clash
