PBKS react to claims of dragging Arshdeep Singh throughout IPL 2026 despite fitness concerns

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) management has officially shut down rumors claiming they have been forcing a compromised Arshdeep Singh to play through injury throughout IPL 2026. The speculations arose following a dip in form for the premium left-arm quick, who has leaked runs at an economy rate of 9.7 while picking up 13 wickets across 12 matches.

Hullabaloo around Arshdeep Singh

While Arshdeep has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency in the death overs and trouble executing yorkers have cost Punjab dearly. After leading the points table late into April, PBKS now find themselves in a do-or-die playoff race, and reports suggesting Arshdeep's movement was physically restricted came at the worst possible time ahead of their crucial clash against table-toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

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Beyond his on-field struggles, Arshdeep has found himself in the headlines for various off-field distractions recently. The speedster faced backlash for his social media activity, most notably after accidentally exposing teammate Yuzvendra Chahal vaping on a flight during a now-edited YouTube vlog. Additionally, he reportedly breached BCCI regulations regarding the involvement and presence of players' partners around the IPL franchise environment.

PBKS management refutes Arshdeep Singh's fitness concerns

While these controversies have weighed on team morale, it was the mounting scrutiny over his physical fitness right before the business end of the tournament that caused the most concern. However, the Punjab Kings management has firmly refuted all claims of injury mismanagement, putting an end to the chatter and clarifying that they are not dragging an unfit player through the season.