He hasn’t bowled like a strike bowler

Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer made a scathing remark on star Team India pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the IPL 2026 clash between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match will be played on Sunday, May 3, in Ahmedabad.

Wasim Jaffer picked Punjab as favorites to beat Gujarat. However, he pointed out concerns with their bowling. He particularly expressed that Arshdeep Singh, their lead pacer, has not quite been up to the mark.

“I think Punjab are favorites. They lost the last match. Gujarat have also come on the back of a win. But Punjab are favorites. They do have some issues with their bowling, though. Arshdeep got hit for a lot, and Bartlett did not play. I think they will have to rethink the combination. Arshdeep, being a strike bowler, will have to bring his form, he hasn’t bowled like a strike bowler so far. But despite all this, I will still say Punjab are slightly favorites,” he said on his YouTube channel.

Arshdeep has picked up only eight wickets from as many games so far. These have come at an average of 41.12 and an economy rate of 10.96. Punjab would want their lead pacer to perform at his best with the tournament entering a crucial phase.

Gujarat’s bowling can test Punjab’s batting, says Wasim Jaffer

Talking about the game, Wasim Jaffer reflected that the Gujarat Titans have done well with the ball. He felt that their bowling could test Punjab’s batters, who have been in red-hot form. However, he pointed out that GT’s batting beyond the top three is still a concern.

“Gujarat have bowled well. Rabada is in form, Siraj is doing well. Rashid seems to be back. Their bowling will test Punjab’s batting a bit. But Gujarat’s batting, we all know there is not a lot there after the top three. So keeping that in mind, Punjab are slightly favorites,” he expressed.

Wasim Jaffer also praised PBKS for this dominance this season. The former batter stated that Punjab have instilled fear with their brand of cricket and appears to be a solid team with skipper Shreyas Iyer leading them well.

“We must give some respect to Punjab. They are playing great cricket. Half the season is done, and they have lost only one match. And that was also not like they were outplayed. Their batting creates that fear. I feel this team is creating fear. The way Shreyas is leading, they are looking like a great team.”

With just one defeat and six wins from eight games so far, PBKS are the table toppers with 13 points. They are among the top contenders to not only qualify but also win the title this season.