Why is Arshdeep Singh struggling in IPL 2026? Andrew Leipus explains PBKS star's physical issues that are holding him back

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Why is Arshdeep Singh struggling in IPL 2026? Andrew Leipus explains PBKS star's physical issues that are holding him back originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:​

• Punjab Kings discover physical restrictions in Arshdeep's body affecting his performance.
• Sports scientist says they have identified the issue and Arshdeep is feeling better.
• Off-field controversies around vlogging also reportedly adding to his difficulties.

IPL 2026: Physical restrictions and off-field noise behind Arshdeep Singh's poor form​

Arshdeep has been a shadow of himself in IPL 2026, especially after being one of India's most dependable left-arm seamers over the past two years.

In early March, he was celebrating successive World Cup triumphs, firmly established as the go-to bowler for India in pressure situations. Now, stationed in Dharamshala, he finds himself at the lowest point of his IPL campaign.

The Punjab Kings management went looking for answers, and they found some. Andrew Leipus, the franchise's head of sports science, revealed that the team has been closely examining whether any physical limitations in Arshdeep's body have been affecting his output on the field.

Speaking to the Times of India in Dharamsala, Leipus said the staff believe they have identified something meaningful and that Arshdeep has been feeling considerably better physically over the past couple of weeks.

“We've been working together a little bit and looking at his body if there's any restrictions in his body that might be a reason for some of his performances being up and down. We think we've hit on a bit of a winner there. He's been feeling a lot better in the last couple of weeks, physically,” Andrew Leipus, Punjab Kings' head of sports science, said.

MORE: PBKS vs RCB Dream11: Lineups, pitch report and score predictions

Punjab Kings stand firmly behind Arshdeep despite off-field noise​

Questions around Arshdeep's social media activity, particularly around vlogging, have brought unwanted scrutiny. Leipus did not brush those reports aside entirely and acknowledged that it was something which may need to be looked at more seriously.

“I know there's been a bit of chatter behind the scenes of various things going on, vlogging and what not. In terms of his behaviour and attitude, Arsh is pretty much a flat line. He's not up or down. He gives his best out there. He's a very loud person in the dressing room. That hasn't changed. He's very calm,” Leipus claimed.

Leipus also hailed the ICC for removing mobile phones from team dressing rooms.

“One of the best things the ICC ever did was take phones away. When you're in that team environment, it's not an issue. It's outside that when it becomes an issue. I've heard rumours. I think potentially it is something that needs to be addressed," he added.

How has Arshdeep Singh performed in IPL 2026?​

Year	Mat	Balls	Runs	WKTS	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR	4W	5W
2026	12	276	446	13	3/22	34.31	9.70	21.23	0	0

MORE: PBKS IPL 2026 playoff chances: Qualification scenarios, wins and points required

The Cricket News Opinion: Arshdeep needs a clear head more than anything else​

Physical restrictions can be treated, but mental clutter is harder to clear. Arshdeep Singh is too talented and too experienced to be written off on the basis of one bad IPL run, but the combination of a troubled body and outside distractions is a difficult thing to manage simultaneously.

The best thing Punjab and Arshdeep can do right now is simplify everything, fewer distractions, more focus, and one good spell of bowling that reminds everyone, including himself, of just how good he can be. Sunday is as good a time as any to start against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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