Arshdeep Singh's Struggles Continue in PBKS vs LSG Clash
Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Arshdeep Singh had another forgettable outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as he failed to deliver in his team's crucial must-win encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 23. The left-arm seamer, known for his death bowling skills, conceded runs at an alarming economy rate, further extending his lead in an unwanted statistical list.
Bowling in the powerplay and death overs, Arshdeep was taken apart by LSG batters, finishing with figures of 0/45 in his four overs. His inability to pick wickets and contain runs has been a recurring theme this season, putting PBKS under immense pressure in high-stakes games. This performance marked his seventh consecutive match without a wicket, the longest such streak for any bowler in IPL history.
Unwanted Record Extends
With this outing, Arshdeep now holds the record for the most runs conceded in a single IPL season without taking a wicket, surpassing the previous mark set by a Rajasthan Royals bowler in 2023. His economy rate of over 11 runs per over in the season has raised questions about his form and selection.
PBKS captain Sam Curran defended the bowler after the match, stating, "Arshdeep is a quality player, and we back him completely. Sometimes things don't go your way, but he has the ability to bounce back." However, fans and analysts have criticized the team management for persisting with an out-of-form bowler in crucial matches.
LSG, meanwhile, capitalized on Arshdeep's poor spell to post a challenging total of 185/5, eventually winning the match by 18 runs. The defeat pushed PBKS to the brink of elimination from playoff contention.
Arshdeep's decline has been stark, considering his heroics for India in T20 World Cups. With IPL 2026 nearing its end, the young pacer will need to address his form quickly to retain his place in the national side.
