Punjab Kings’ first defeat in IPL 2026 has put Arshdeep Singh under the spotlight, with concerns growing around his inconsistent performances. Arshdeep Singh struggled badly against Rajasthan Royals, conceding heavily despite defending a big total, raising questions about his role in crucial matches.

Former India spinner Piyush Chawla expressed worry over Arshdeep Singh and his declining effectiveness this season. Known for picking early wickets, Arshdeep Singh has failed to deliver consistently in the powerplay, putting pressure on the rest of the bowling unit.

Arshdeep Singh has managed only a handful of wickets this season while leaking runs at an alarming rate. According to Chawla, if Arshdeep Singh continues this trend, it could hurt Punjab Kings badly during the playoffs, where every performance becomes critical.

One of the biggest concerns is Arshdeep Singh’s inability to strike with the new ball. When Arshdeep Singh fails to take early wickets, opposition teams gain momentum quickly, making it difficult to control the game later on.

Despite sitting at the top of the table, Punjab Kings must address Arshdeep Singh’s form urgently. With the playoffs approaching, reliance on Arshdeep Singh as a premium bowler remains high, and any further dip could prove costly in their title chase.