Punjab Kings have enjoyed a dominant IPL 2026 campaign, currently sitting at the top of the points table. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, they created history by becoming the first franchise to remain unbeaten in their first six matches of an IPL season. Their aggressive brand of cricket, combined with strong performances from both batters and bowlers, made them the standout side of the tournament.
However, their perfect run finally came to an end when Rajasthan Royals pulled off a stunning chase of 223 in a high-scoring thriller. The defeat not only halted Punjab’s winning momentum but also exposed certain concerns in their bowling unit, particularly during the death overs. While PBKS still remain one of the strongest contenders for the title, questions are now being raised about whether their pace attack can hold up under pressure in the crucial final stages of the tournament.
Piyush Chawla reveals the major concern for PBKS
Former India spinner Piyush Chawla believes the biggest concern for Punjab Kings lies in the form of their premier pacer, Arshdeep Singh. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Chawla highlighted that Arshdeep’s inability to make early breakthroughs with the new ball has become a worrying sign for the franchise.
According to Chawla, Arshdeep is at his best when he strikes in the powerplay and builds pressure from the very beginning. He pointed out that in matches where the left-arm pacer has delivered with the new ball, Punjab’s bowling unit has looked far more balanced and effective. However, this season, those early wickets have not come consistently.
Chawla also noted that Arshdeep’s economy rate has been another major issue. Despite understanding that the pacer often bowls the toughest overs — during the powerplay and at the death — he stressed that a premium bowler cannot afford to leak runs regularly at nearly 11 runs per over.
“He’s somebody who’s known to pick up wickets with the new ball, and that’s not been happening. The game [where] he picks up wickets with the new ball, he ends up bowling a wonderful spell. That’s what happened against MI. But this season, he’s going at almost 11 runs per over. And I understand that he bowls those difficult overs in the powerplay and then at the death, but still he’s your still premium bowler,” said Chawla on ESPNcricinfo.
He explained that occasional off-games are understandable in a long tournament, but when it becomes a repeated pattern, it turns into a serious concern. With the playoffs approaching, Chawla believes Punjab must address this issue quickly if they want to maintain their title charge.
“A game or two games here and there, you can expect [him to do badly], but it’s happening most of the time. Then it is a matter of concern, because if you look at the bigger picture – when you’re going into the playoffs – then you have to think about it,” added Chawla.
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Challenging season for the star player
Notably, Arshdeep has endured a difficult campaign with the ball this season despite Punjab’s overall success. The left-arm seamer, usually known for his calmness under pressure and ability to deliver in crucial phases, has struggled to maintain control in several matches.
His toughest outing came against Rajasthan Royals, where he conceded 68 runs in his four-over spell — the most expensive spell of his IPL career. It was a performance that immediately drew attention, especially considering the match situation and Punjab’s need for strong execution at the death.
The expensive spell has further intensified the debate around his form and effectiveness. Analysts and former players have started questioning whether Arshdeep is currently delivering at the level expected from a lead Indian pacer in a title-chasing side.
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