“He doesn’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu raises concerns over Arshdeep S – “He doesn’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu raises concerns over Arshdeep Singh’s form in IPL 2026

“He doesn’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu raises concerns over Arshdeep Singh‘s form in IPL 2026

“He doesn’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu raises concerns over Arshdeep Singh’s form in IPL 2026, as the Punjab Kings pacer continues to struggle with consistency and control. The former six-time IPL champion believes Arshdeep may be feeling the effects of mental and physical fatigue, which could be impacting his sharpness and bowling lengths.

Rayudu Questions Arshdeep’s Bowling Approach

Ambati Rayudu, known for his incisive commentary and deep understanding of the game, pointed directly at Arshdeep’s recent length issues. The left-arm pacer has come under fire for relying too heavily on short deliveries, especially during high-pressure phases like the powerplay and death overs.

“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 or he doesn’t have the same juice as what he did a few months back,” Rayudu said. “But he definitely has to compensate. If he has to overcompensate, he needs to be full.”

Rayudu stressed that Arshdeep’s full deliveries, particularly yorkers, have historically been more effective. He noted that even in the recent match against Lucknow Super Giants, the few fuller balls Arshdeep bowled didn’t leak as many runs as his short-of-a-length offerings.

Poor Figures Against LSG Highlight Concerns

Arshdeep’s figures of 0/52 in just three overs against LSG confirmed the growing concerns. With an economy rate of 17.33 in that match—and his captain opting not to use his final over—the outing was far from ideal. He also bowled four wides during the spell, raising further questions about his control under pressure.

This season, Arshdeep has now conceded 541 runs across 14 matches—the most by any bowler in IPL 2026—despite being PBKS’s leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps. His economy rate of 10.20 reflects the ongoing challenge of maintaining control while delivering wicket-taking spells.

• Matches: 14
• Wickets: 14
• Runs conceded: 541
• Economy: 10.20
• Wides bowled: 28 (closing in on Matheesha Pathirana’s record of 32)

Boucher Backs Arshdeep, Cites Workload Fatigue

Former South Africa skipper Mark Boucher offered a more sympathetic take, defending Arshdeep’s skill and attributing the struggles to a grueling schedule.

“I think it’s just being tired [after the T20 World Cup] and this month being the IPL, and he had to play in this. That’s the reason why he’s like that,” Boucher said. “I don’t think it’s got anything to do with his skill or his talent. At some stage, it [the fatigue] has to catch up with the players. It’s just, it’s natural.”

Boucher’s comments add context to Arshdeep’s situation, highlighting the cumulative toll of international and franchise cricket. With back-to-back high-intensity campaigns, even the fittest athletes can see a dip in performance.

What’s Next for Arshdeep Singh?

As Punjab Kings move forward in the tournament, managing Arshdeep’s workload and reinforcing his core strengths—yorkers, accuracy, and full lengths—will be critical. While his wicket-taking ability remains intact, sustained control and discipline will determine his impact in high-stakes games.

The message from experts is clear: Arshdeep Singh still possesses the talent, but right now, he may simply need rest, recalibration, and a return to fundamentals.

For now, all eyes will be on how the Punjab Kings support their lead pacer—and whether he can rediscover the sharpness that once made him one of the league’s most feared death bowlers.