Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh is focused on helping the team break its 18-year-long title drought in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and celebrating the victory with fans in Chandigarh through an open-bus parade.
Punjab, along with Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Lucknow Super Giants, are the only teams to have never won the IPL title. Arshdeep, who has become a key figure in India’s white-ball team, remains dedicated to his process and is hopeful about turning things around this season under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
Arshdeep shared his thoughts on JioHotstar’s show ‘Gen Bold’, saying, “Life hasn’t changed much; it’s still the same, but it’s fun. As they say, change is the only constant. Staying stable and managing the highs and lows is crucial when playing at this level. I focus on strengthening my mental resilience and enjoying the present moment. I’m very excited about this season. The energy is fantastic, and the atmosphere in the dressing room is incredible.”
He added, “This time, we will give Punjab fans a reason to celebrate. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m really excited. Fans will be thrilled when they see the brand of cricket we’re going to play this year. We appreciate all the fans who have supported us for 17 years, and we will do our best to give them a season to remember. Our goal is to play just 16 matches, win the title, and celebrate with them in Chandigarh with an open-bus parade.”
Praise for Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership
Reflecting on his bond with skipper Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep praised the confidence and encouragement the captain provides. He explained, “I have played with Shreyas Iyer before, under his captaincy in the Duleep Trophy, and I really enjoyed it. He always backed his players and gave them the freedom to express themselves. What I’ve noticed here is that his approach remains the same – he doesn’t impose rigid instructions but encourages players to trust their skills and play for the team.”
Arshdeep highlighted Iyer’s selfless leadership approach, saying, “He promotes a selfless approach, assuring full backing to the players. I truly admire this mindset, and as players, we will do our best to support him and help the team win back-to-back titles.”
Stepping Up for Punjab Kings
Arshdeep spoke about his role as a key player for Punjab Kings, noting that he enjoys stepping up during crucial moments, whether it’s stopping runs or taking wickets. “When they hand me the ball in crucial moments, it feels good to know that they trust me. I genuinely enjoy the added responsibility, regardless of the situation. I try not to feel the pressure and instead focus on delivering my best for the team,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, the 26-year-old pacer emphasized the importance of consistent improvement. “The key is to improve by 1% to 1.5% after every game, every day—whether the performance was good or bad. I’ve always believed that the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement. So whenever I get the chance, I engage in constructive self-criticism and strive to enhance my skill set, even if it’s just by 1% or half a per cent.”
Memorable IPL Moments
When asked about his favorite IPL memory, Arshdeep recalled his debut match in the tournament with Punjab Kings. He also fondly remembered a match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, where he took four wickets and bowled the last over to help Punjab win. “That match is very close to my heart,” Arshdeep concluded.
