Former international batsman and six-time IPL champion Ambati Rayudu opened up about Arshdeep Singh’s recent struggles during the Punjab Kings campaign. The former batsman said the left-arm fast bowler has been struggling with both mental and physical fatigue, which has affected the length of his bowling in recent matches.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by seven wickets with two overs to spare in their final group stage encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday, May 23. Chasing a target of 197 runs, the Shreyas Iyer-led side successfully completed the chase and ended their six-match losing streak.
“They don’t have the same juice” – Ambati Rayudu criticizes Arshdeep Singh
Ambati Rayudu expressed concern about the physical condition of Arshdeep Singh. Rayudu said the left-arm pacer currently lacks his usual sharpness and intensity, adding that he should adjust by bowling more full lengths.
“He has to take care of that because his short ball, he doesn’t have a great bouncer at the moment, maybe it’s because his body is tired or he doesn’t have as much juice as he did a few months ago. But he definitely has to compensate. If he has to overcompensate, he has to be complete.”
Arshdeep faced a tough performance against Lucknow Super Giants and finished with figures of 0/52 from three overs. The left-arm fast bowler gave runs at an economy rate of 17.33 and the captain decided not to bowl his final over.
“Even in death, Arshdeep Singh should bowl yorkers” – Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu also questioned the tactical approach used by Arshdeep Singh during the powerplay and death overs. Rayudu advised the left-arm pacer to avoid bowling too many short balls and instead focus more on yorkers and full lengths.
“I just think about his height [are the problem]. He is not someone who should bowl too many short balls. Even in the death overs, he should bowl yorkers. And even with the new ball, whenever he has bowled a full ball, except the first ball, which was driven through cover, I don’t think his fuller balls have scored as many runs as the short of length balls or the short ball.
Arshdeep has conceded 541 runs in 14 matches this season, the most by any bowler in the tournament. He remains the leading wicket-taker for Punjab Kings with 14 wickets, but his economy rate of 10.20 is expensive.
“At some level, it has to align with the players” – Mark Boucher defends Arshdeep Singh
Former South African cricketer Mark Boucher defended Arshdeep Singh’s overall skill level and said that the struggle is mainly due to the heavy workload he has shouldered in the last few months.
“I guess it’s just tired [after the T20 World Cup] And this month there is IPL and he had to play in it. That’s why he is like that. I don’t think it has anything to do with his skill or his talent. At some level, this [the fatigue] Have to keep pace with the players. It’s just, it’s natural.”
Arshdeep struggled with his control during the recent win, bowling four wides against Lucknow Super Giants. He has already bowled 28 wides this season and is close to Mathisha Pathirana’s unwanted record of 32 wides in the last IPL edition.
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