Ambati Rayudu said Arshdeep Singh does not have the same potency in his bowling as he did a few months ago.
The critique follows a Punjab Kings victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, where Singh struggled to contain the opposition. His performance has drawn scrutiny from analysts who believe the bowler is deviating from the strengths that previously made him a threat in the league.
During the match, Singh conceded runs at an economy rate of 17.33 [1]. This figure highlighted a lack of control that Rayudu and other commentators believe stems from a shift in tactical execution. Rayudu said, "Arshdeep doesn't have the same juice as a few months back" [2].
Mark Boucher joined the critique, suggesting that the bowler is relying too heavily on short deliveries rather than his natural strengths. Boucher said, "He needs to back his skill set as well" [3]. Both analysts urged Singh to return to bowling fuller lengths to regain his effectiveness.
The Punjab Kings managed to secure the win despite the high economy rate, but the individual struggle of their lead bowler remains a point of concern. The consensus among the critics is that Singh appears tired, a factor that may be impacting his precision and pace.
Singh has been a pivotal part of the bowling attack, but the recent dip in form suggests a need for immediate adjustment. By shifting away from the short ball and trusting his original skill set, analysts believe he can return to the form that defined his earlier success this season.
“"Arshdeep doesn't have the same juice as a few months back"”
The criticism from Rayudu and Boucher highlights a common struggle for death-overs bowlers in the IPL: the balance between unpredictability and consistency. When a bowler loses their 'juice' or primary weapon, they often overcompensate with short-pitched deliveries that can be easily dispatched. For Singh, returning to a fuller length is not just a tactical suggestion but a necessity to avoid becoming a liability in high-scoring matches.
