Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan wants Punjab Kings to drop Nehal Wadhera and bring in Shashank Singh against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. Wadhera was dismissed for a six-ball duck by Jason Holder as he was caught behind by Jos Buttler against Gujarat Titans in the last game.
The left-hander has scored 65 runs in six innings of IPL 2026 at an average of 10.83 and a strike rate of 114.03 and thus has failed to deliver. On the other hand, Shashank Singh has managed only 70 runs in five innings at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 194.44. Singh had missed the last couple of games and he had struggled in the field.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Now it seems like they need an extra spinner. I feel that Shashank is also needed. Bring Shashank in if he is fit. You gave chances to Nehal Wadhera, but he could not score. So, bring Shashank in his place immediately.”
The former swing bowler believes Arshdeep Singh has complicated his bowling. Singh bagged 2-24 in his four overs in the last game against Gujarat Titans and the left-arm seamer has scalped 10 wickets in nine matches at an average of 35.30 and economy rate of 10.38 in the ongoing season.
Pathan concluded, “Arshdeep has complicated his bowling by trying a lot of outswingers against right-handed batters. But he bowls comparatively better against left-handers, and will have to do that here; it is very important.”
Punjab Kings have lost their last two games and they would want to return to winning ways against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Mohali-based franchise is at the top of the IPL standings with six wins in nine matches.
