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Arshdeep Singh has made a strong comeback for the India national cricket team after a tough IPL 2026 season with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The left-arm fast bowler struggled during the tournament and faced heavy criticism, but he is now back to his best in the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan.
His return to form has impressed former India batsman Manoj Tiwary, who also pointed out the ‘huge lack of clarity’ despite India’s win over Afghanistan. He praised Arshdeep for getting his focus back on the game and producing match-winning performances for the national team.
Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant turnaround
Arshdeep Singh had a really bad IPL 2026 season, where he could only take 14 wickets at an average of over 38 and a strike rate of over 10 and Punjab Kings failed to make the playoffs.
Arshdeep Singh also courted controversy during the season due to his constant presence on social media, where he was often seen making fun of Indian players. This forced PBKS to reportedly order the fast bowler to reduce his online activities and focus more on his game.
However, Arshdeep looked completely different in Indian colours. This fast bowler is looking fast and full of confidence in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. He has already taken five wickets and played his part in the Men in Blue’s series win on home soil.
Arshdeep Singh is a different animal for India: Manoj Tiwari
After Arshdeep took 3/45 in nine overs against Afghanistan in the second ODI in Lucknow, Manoj Tiwary said the left-arm fast bowler looks a completely different bowler when he plays for India. He also stressed that a player should not be judged on the basis of a poor IPL campaign.
“To be honest, IPL is just entertainment cricket. The format is T20, but it is just pure entertainment, where things are set for the batsmen and the bowlers just hit,” Manoj Tiwary was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“So, you can’t compare and evaluate performances from there. As soon as he switches from IPL to India jersey, he is a different player. We have seen that in T20Is, his striking numbers in the first over are better than Jasprit Bumrah.”
Manoj Tiwary reveals why Arshdeep Singh is at his best for India
The cricket pundit also believes that the fast bowler has regained his form and is focusing on the things that matter most. He also appreciated how Arshdeep brilliantly led the young pace attack in the absence of bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. He handled the responsibility very well and did a really good job with youngsters Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav in the ongoing ODI series.
Tiwary said, “His rhythm is back now. He has stopped doing some things which he was doing in the IPL. He used to do all that in the IPL; he has stopped now. We don’t see him much on social media. When you go away from the distractions and focus on things that matter, there is consistency in the performances. It is good to see him leading the attack and taking wickets for his country.”
After the Lucknow ODI, Arshdeep said that whenever he comes on the field, he tries to enjoy every moment and give his best effort. His main objective is to leave nothing behind and contribute as much as possible to the team. He also appreciated the positive atmosphere in the Indian dressing room.
