Got totally different weapons, simply pull the set off

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis reckons that Punjab Kings (PBKS) have got one of the most lethal bowling attacks in IPL 2026. According to Du Plessis, PBKS mainly have attacking bowlers, who can switch to defensive mode as well if the need arises. He also stated that PBKS’ variety in bowling as well as their quality stands out.

PBKS beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 54 runs in match number 29 of IPL 2026 in Mullanpur on Saturday, April 19. Batting first, the Punjab franchise posted 254-7 on the board and then held LSG to 200-5. Marco Jansen claimed two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with one wicket each.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Du Plessis pointed out why PBKS’ bowling attack in IPL 2026 has been extremely potent. He explained:

“It’s not a team that is lacking offensive skill sets. Their skill sets can go defensive. But you look at the names in that bowling attack, it’s all frontline attacking bowlers – Marco Jansen, [Xavier] Bartlett, Arshdeep [Singh]. It is all genuine wicket-takers with the new ball there, with the skill set of swinging the ball.

“Arshdeep is a good yorker bowler with the new ball. So, it’s not by chance that they are one of the better bowling units. They can switch to defensive, but also, as a batter, if you are fronting up against them, you feel like they can get you out at any stage as well. As a captain, you’ve got all the different guns at your disposal, you can just pull the trigger at different stages,” Du Plessis went on to add.

Arshdeep Singh is PBKS’ joint-leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026. In six matches, she has claimed six scalps at an economy rate of 9.63. Vijaykumar Vyshak has also picked up six wickets, while Marco Jansen has five and Yuzvendra Chahal and Xavier Bartlett four each.

“I think they have the capability to do both” – Ambati Rayudu on PBKS’ impressive bowling attack

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu also shared similar views on PBKS’ bowling attack. According to Rayudu, the bowlers in the Punjab franchise have the talent as well as the experience to succeed in various situations. He commented:

“I think they have the capability to do both. They have everything in their arsenal and also they have the knowhow of what to do – that is the biggest factor when you look at the IPL and the bowling units. I think these guys have a much more mature, confident, as well as skilful bowling unit compared to many other teams.”

PBKS are on top of the IPL 2026 points table, with five wins from six games. Their next match will be against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on April 25.