Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes has come out in support of pacer Arshdeep Singh after the pacer's struggles in IPL 2026.
Both Arshdeep and the Punjab Kings have struggled for momentum in the second half of the season. Apart from the poor on-field performances, PBKS have had to contend with off-field issues, but the franchise maintains that those issues aren't the ones causing their problems.
Arshdeep Singh and Punjab Kings controversies in IPL 2026
While there have been many reports about the team and its internal working, Arshdeep Singh himself has been specifically pulled up for more than one gaffe.
After the BCCI issued an advisory asking players to curb their social media activity, PBKS pulled up Arshdeep and asked him to stop his vlogging. But that was not the last of Arshdeep's controversies just this season.
In the same advisory, the BCCI had also said that unauthorised personnel, like the players' girlfriends, weren't allowed to travel with the team. Despite this, Arshdeep and his rumoured girlfriend were seen in the team bus together.
In a separate incident, it was reported that Arshdeep had a verbal altercation with PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer at the airport. This has also given birth to rumours of an internal rift within the team.
Arshdeep Singh's latest controversy came when he made a colourist remark against the Mumbai Indians and India batter Tilak Varma.
Also Read: IPL players to be banned from using social media? Arun Dhumal breaks the silence
Arshdeep Singh in IPL 2026
Despite his relatively poor form, Arshdeep Singh is still the Punjab Kings' highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026.
In 13 matches, he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 34.92 and an economy rate of 9.78. Against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala on Sunday, Arshdeep conceded 43 runs in his four overs and picked up the wicket of Tim David off the last ball of the first innings.
"He's a warrior" - James Hopes on Arshdeep
After PBKS' loss to RCB on Sunday, their bowling coach, James Hopes, addressed the post-match press conference and defended Arshdeep to reporters.
"I think, to be honest, Arshdeep bowled well in the back half of the tournament, like, very well. He's been aggressive. There's been players and misses. There have been catches dropping short of people, and some missed opportunities. He fronts up every training session, every game, ready to go. And today was no different. He's a warrior," Hopes said.
Hopes also addressed the rumours and reports about Punjab's off-field problems and said that those issues did not hurt Punjab on the field at all.
“I don’t think any off-field stuff derailed our campaign. What derailed our campaign was our inability to take control of the momentum in games. Every time it looked like we were about to do it, we’d do something to hurt ourselves or trip ourselves up,” he added.
Punjab Kings qualification scenario
After going unbeaten in their first 7 matches of this season, the Punjab Kings have lost 6 in a row. They now have 13 points after playing 13 matches.
Their last match is against the already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on May 23. Even if PBKS win this match, they will need to depend on other results to qualify for the playoffs.
If they lose, though, the Punjab Kings will almost certainly be eliminated from the tournament.
