Punjab Kings in turmoil but coach defends Arshdeep Singh, rejects blame on off-field controversies in team's debacle

Hopes doubled down on his assessment of PBKS season struggles, firmly rejecting the idea that off-field distractions played any major role in their downfall.

Published on: May 18, 2026, 06:12:18 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes has backed Arshdeep Singh amid the team’s poor run in IPL 2026. Punjab Kings have now suffered six straight defeats, a slump that has pushed them out of control of their own playoff destiny. With just one match remaining, they must not only win but also depend on other results going their way to stay alive in the race.

Arshdeep Singh has been under the scanner this season, (PTI)

Several players have come under scrutiny as the side’s form has dipped sharply in the second half of the season, but Arshdeep has been among the most talked-about names. The Indian pacer has struggled to pick up wickets at regular intervals, and his performances have drawn added attention during this difficult phase for the team. Off-field chatter has also added to the noise around Arshdeep, but the support from the coaching group signals belief in his ability to bounce back in the final stages of the campaign.

Hopes came out strongly in support of Arshdeep after Punjab Kings’s difficult run in IPL 2026, praising the left-arm pacer’s effort and attitude despite the team’s struggles. The PBKS bowling coach pointed to Arshdeep’s consistency, aggression and commitment in training and matches, insisting that his performances have not reflected a lack of effort even when results haven’t gone his way.

"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's 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 in the post-match presser.

The left-arm pacer has picked 14 wickets this season so far at an economy of 9.78.

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“We’d do something to hurt ourselves”: James Hopes

From Arshdeep calling Tilak Varma 'andhera' to Yuzvendra Chahal being allegedly spotted vaping on a flight, Punjab Kings have found themselves at the centre of multiple off-field controversies. The incidents have only added to their on-field struggles, putting both players and the franchise under an unfavourable spotlight during a difficult phase of the season.

Hopes doubled down on his assessment of PBKS' season struggles, firmly rejecting the idea that off-field distractions played any major role in their downfall. With the team already under scrutiny for a poor run of results and mounting pressure on performances, the PBKS bowling coach pointed instead to repeated on-field lapses and missed opportunities at key moments.

“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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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