“He hasn’t been getting enough inswing with the new ball,” warns former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan — and it could spell trouble for Arshdeep Singh ahead of IPL 2026.
The Punjab Kings pacer, just three wickets shy of 100 IPL scalps, is being urged to fix one key aspect of his bowling to stay among India’s top T20 threats.
⚡ Fast Facts
- Arshdeep Singh has 97 wickets in 87 IPL matches since 2019.
- Needs 3 more wickets to become the fourth Indian left-arm pacer to reach 100 IPL wickets.
- Irfan Pathan highlights new-ball bowling and inswing consistency as key improvement areas.
- Economy rate has risen from 8.29 (pre-Asia Cup 2025) to 9.05 in recent T20s.
- IPL 2026 kickoff: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, March 31, Mullanpur.
🏏 Quick Gist (30-Second Read)
- Arshdeep’s consistency praised, but new-ball threat is dipping.
- His inswing deliveries have been less effective over the past year.
- Powerplay numbers still strong: 17 wickets at 7.16 economy in T20 World Cup 2024.
- Pathan’s advice: tighten new-ball skills, manage economy rate, aim for milestone 100th IPL wicket.
What Happened
Ahead of IPL 2026, Irfan Pathan analyzed Punjab Kings’ lineup on his YouTube channel. He spotlighted Arshdeep Singh, one of India’s most lethal left-arm pacers, for a technical tweak: improve new-ball bowling, particularly inswing.
“Arshdeep has been consistent in picking wickets, but one area he needs to work on is his new-ball bowling,” Pathan said.
Despite picking wickets regularly, Arshdeep’s economy rate has crept up post-Asia Cup 2025 — a potential red flag for the upcoming season.
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Why It Matters
In T20 cricket, the first six overs define matches, especially for teams like Punjab Kings that rely on pacers to strike early. Arshdeep’s slight dip in inswing could make him less threatening in powerplays, allowing opposing teams to accelerate.
For the Punjab Kings, who start IPL 2026 against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, Arshdeep’s form could influence match outcomes and playoff aspirations.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | Arshdeep Singh | Context |
|---|---|---|
| IPL Matches | 87 | Since 2019 |
| IPL Wickets | 97 | 3 short of 100 |
| T20 World Cup 2024 Powerplay | 17 wickets | Economy 7.16 |
| Overall T20 Powerplay | 90 wickets | Economy 8.24 (2nd among Indians) |
| Recent Economy Rate | 9.05 | Since Asia Cup 2025 |
What Experts Are Saying
Pathan stressed that Arshdeep still has the tools to dominate, but technical refinements are crucial:
- Inswing mastery: Key for new-ball breakthroughs.
- Economy management: Prevent giving away early runs in T20s.
- Consistency in powerplays: Core strength but must maintain.
Analysts note that a minor tweak now could elevate him to elite status among left-arm pacers in global T20s.
Contrarian View
Some critics argue Arshdeep’s slightly higher economy is a natural side effect of bowling aggressively in modern T20s. They suggest focusing too much on stats might hinder his instinctive wicket-taking ability.
What Happens Next
- IPL 2026 starts March 31 for Punjab Kings.
- Watch if Arshdeep adjusts his new-ball line and length.
- Milestone watch: 100 IPL wickets could boost confidence.
- Analysts expect his performance in early matches to set the tone for India’s T20 plans in 2026.
FAQs
Why is Irfan Pathan concerned about Arshdeep Singh?
- He believes Arshdeep’s new-ball inswing and economy need attention before IPL 2026.
What milestone is Arshdeep Singh chasing in IPL 2026?
- He is three wickets away from becoming the fourth Indian left-arm pacer with 100 IPL wickets.
How important is Arshdeep’s performance in powerplays?
- Extremely — early wickets can shift momentum and dictate match outcomes in T20 cricket.
Editorial Disclaimer:
This article is based on analysis and facts from V.M. Suriya Narayanan’s report on Crictoday. No events or player outcomes were fabricated; all statistics and insights are drawn from verified sources.