Punjab Kings clarify Arshdeep Singh’s fitness ahead of India’s squad announcement for Afghanistan series

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have clarified comments made by their head of sports science, Andrew Leipus. The physiotherapist has been associated with the franchise since 2020, and before the Royal Challengers Bengaluru match on May 17, he hinted that Arshdeep Singh is managing an injury and isn’t 100% fit.

Is Arshdeep Singh injured?

The comment didn’t gain traction until after that match, as PBKS lost their sixth consecutive match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Arshdeep is Punjab’s highest wicket-taker this season, but his performance hasn’t been great. He’s been hit or miss. His 14 wickets have come at 34.92, and his economy is 9.78.

“We’ve been working together a little bit and looking at his body to see if there are 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 gives his best out there. He’s been feeling a lot better in the last couple of weeks, physically”, Leipus had told reporters in Dharamshala.

Controversy has been following Arshdeep of late. Whether it be his vlogs, which exposed Yuzvendra Chahal, or him joking about Tilak Varma’s skin colour. This fitness conversation is just the new iteration. Although he’s not at fault. However, it’s a serious conversation as well.

Arshdeep Singh has had no break since late January | Image Credit: AAP Image/Matt Turner via Alamy

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Doubts over selection in India’s squad?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will select India’s Test and ODI squads for the Afghanistan series on May 19 in Guwahati. While Punjab has clarified that Arshdeep is fully fit, we’ve seen how franchises have functioned in IPL 2026.

Jasprit Bumrah played in the early stages despite carrying a niggle. Varun Chakaravarthy has played several matches with fractures in his hand and leg. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Arshdeep isn’t 100%, but he’s playing irrespective of it.

If that’s the case, the BCCI might need to reconsider the possibility of selecting him in the ODI squad. The left-arm pacer has been playing non-stop cricket since late January, and he needs a breather before taking the field again.

“Contrary to reports, we would like to confirm that our leading fast bowler and highest wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh, is fully fit and has been actively training with the squad. The team management is absolutely pleased with his progress, and he is raring to go as we head into a crucial contest of the tournament. His energy, rhythm, and commitment in the nets have been extremely encouraging, and we are confident that he will continue to play a key role for Punjab Kings moving forward as well,” PBKS said in a statement.

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