“He doesn’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu raises concerns over Arshdeep Singh’s form in IPL 2026
Analyzing Arshdeep Singh‘s Recent Struggles
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign has been a rollercoaster for the Punjab Kings, and at the center of the recent discourse is the form of their premier left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh. Former international batter and six-time IPL champion Ambati Rayudu recently provided a candid assessment of the bowler’s current state, suggesting that fatigue may be the primary culprit behind his erratic performances.
The Critique from Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu did not mince words when discussing Arshdeep’s difficulties on the field. The former Chennai Super Kings stalwart pointed out that the pacer appears to be grappling with both mental and physical exhaustion. According to Rayudu, the sharpness and intensity that defined Arshdeep’s earlier career have waned, leading to a noticeable drop in performance quality.
Highlighting the technical adjustments required, Rayudu noted: “He doesn’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu raises concerns over Arshdeep Singh regarding his current physical output. He advised the bowler to pivot his strategy: “He should be mindful of that because his short ball, he doesn’t have a great bouncer at the moment, maybe because of his body being tired. But he definitely has to compensate. If he has to overcompensate, he needs to be full.”
A Difficult Outing Against LSG
The concerns raised by Rayudu were underscored during the match against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Despite Punjab Kings successfully chasing down the 197-run target to break their six-match losing streak, Arshdeep endured a night to forget. He finished with figures of 0/52 in three overs, conceding runs at an alarming economy rate of 17.33. The situation became so dire that his captain opted not to bowl him for his final over.
Furthermore, control issues have plagued his campaign. Arshdeep conceded four wides in the match against LSG alone, bringing his season tally to 28. He is currently approaching the undesirable record of 32 wides set by Matheesha Pathirana in a previous edition.
Tactical Missteps and Bowling Lengths
Rayudu further analyzed the tactical errors present in Arshdeep’s recent bowling displays, particularly his tendency to rely on short-pitched deliveries. “I just think his lengths are the problem,” Rayudu remarked. “He’s not someone who should be bowling a lot of short deliveries. Even in the death, he should be bowling yorkers. And even with the new ball, whenever he has bowled full, except for the first ball which was driven through the covers, I don’t think his fuller balls went for so many runs as much as the short of length deliveries.”
Statistically, the season has been challenging. Arshdeep has conceded 541 runs across 14 matches, the highest total by any bowler in the tournament thus far. While he leads the Punjab Kings in wickets with 14, his economy rate of 10.20 reflects the pressure he has been under.
Defending the Pacer: The Fatigue Argument
Despite the criticism, some experts argue that Arshdeep’s struggles are not a reflection of diminished skill, but rather the consequence of a grueling professional schedule. Former South Africa cricketer Mark Boucher weighed in, defending the pacer by citing the immense workload carried by players in the modern era, particularly following the T20 World Cup.
“I think it’s just being tired and this month being the IPL, and he had to play in this,” Boucher explained. “That’s the reason why he’s like that. I don’t think it’s got anything to do with his skill or his talent. At some stage, it has to catch up with the players. It’s just, it’s natural.”
As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on whether Arshdeep can regain his rhythm and adjust his lengths to combat the physical toll of a long season. For the Punjab Kings, his return to form is essential for their tactical balance, whether or not he manages to find his ‘juice’ before the final stages of the competition.
