S. Badrinath, a former batter for the Indian cricket team, expressed strong views on Arshdeep Singh's performance in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that fatigue should not be an excuse for underperformance. Singh has managed 13 wickets in 11 matches, but his inconsistency has raised concerns for the Punjab Kings (PBKS), who are struggling to maintain their playoff hopes after losing four consecutive matches. Badrinath emphasized that players must give their all when they step onto the field, suggesting that if fatigue is an issue, players should rest instead of competing at less than full capacity. The Punjab Kings, once the only unbeaten team in the tournament, now find themselves in a precarious position, needing to win at least two of their remaining matches to secure a top-four finish. Their bowling attack, led by Singh, has been particularly criticized, holding the worst economy rate among all teams in the league. Captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the team's failures, particularly in the bowling department, which has hindered their chances despite a strong batting lineup.