India and Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh did not have the best IPL starts this year, but his franchise coach Sairaj Bahutule claims that a return to basics strategy, which includes a lot of “target bowling” in the nets, has helped him restore his form.
For the first time in three games at the Wankhede Stadium, where hitters have dominated, Arshdeep showed up with a fantastic opening spell that dismissed Suryakumar Yadav (0) and Ryan Rickelton (2). On Thursday night, he returned with figures of 4-0-22-3 after dismissing Sherfane Rutherford (1).
In addition to striking in various stints, Arshdeep nailed the most of his yorkers at the end while getting the new ball to swing and slide off the surface dangerously.
“He started off with his first two games really well and then because of the (nature of) pitches, there are lots of demands in terms of variations and sometimes, what happens is (that) you forget to bowl your stock ball,” Bahutule, who is PBKS’ spin bowling coach, was quoted by PTI telling reporters after the match.
“But he is a very self-aware (bowler) and understands the nuances of the game. He went back to his basics in the last couple of days, did a lot of spot and target bowling and he really came back with understanding that he has to just focus on what he does best.
“He was very clear in his mindset…understand what works for you, what your strengths are and precisely that is what he did,” the former India player added.
Arshdeep’s performance, according to Bahutule, is the result of his action and bowling tempo.
“I think it is a mixture of both. He is a leading bowler in T20 cricket, in terms of wickets also, as well as the one who has the ability to swing,” he said about Arshdeep, the first bowler to take 100 wickets for the Punjab Kings in the IPL.
Prabhsimran Singh, who hit a game-winning 80 not out off 39 balls (11 fours, two sixes), changed his strategy, and Bahutule attributed this to the presence of head coach Ricky Ponting.
“(It has) a lot to do with Ricky also being in the changing room. He himself being so positive, he rubs it across to all the batters in terms of approaching innings and Prabh has responded really well to that,” Bahutule said.
According to Bahutule, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer is also more aware of the tactics a bowler may use against him. Iyer created a quick 139-run partnership with Prabhsimran, scoring 66 from 35 balls with five fours and four sixes.
“Over the period of time, he’s really understood his game. He really works hard in knowing what is working for him, (and) what is not working for him.
“Everybody has their understanding of bowling that short ball to him. But he’s become so smart at it that he understands when he is going to bowl that and he is very much ready for it,” Bahutule pointed out.
“Not only his smartness, but his execution also has become very optimal and with a lot of clarity and understanding the situation of the game,” he added.
The Punjab Kings’ hopes of making it to the IPL playoffs depend heavily on Arshdeep Singh’s performance. Their success in future games will mostly depend on his ability to grab early wickets and bowl efficiently at the end. To compete with the best clubs in the league, Punjab Kings will need their star players to play consistently.
