IPL 2023: Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh highlights importance of mental strength in his career

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From bowling no-balls to bowling toe-crushing yorkers in death overs, rising India fast-bowler Arshdeep Singh has tasted success and disappointments in his short international and IPL career but the southpaw doesn't want to get carried away with his highs and lows as he tries to stick to his basics no matter what.

The 24-year-old left-arm seamer is a firm believer in keeping things simple and not complicating them, and this mantra has yielded positive results in his short yet impactful international and domestic career. The Punjab cricketer - who burst into the scene with his consistently good performance for Punjab Kings in the cash-rich IPL - is now a household name in the country.

The tall and lanky fast bowler - who has impressed all with his quality swing bowling up front and ability to nail those yorkers in crunch situations in the death overs - garnered a lot of praise from the best in the business. Although, he has struggled with his front foot 'no-balls', the youngster works hard to learn from his mistakes and get better with every passing day.

In an exclusive interaction with MyKhel, the Guna (MP)-born cricketer shed some light on his preparation in the run-up to the IPL 2023, starting March 31. Arshdeep also highlighted the importance of mental strength when competing in a top-flight league like IPL where one is constantly under the radar.

When asked about his preparations for the upcoming IPL season and if he's planning to master any special deliveries for the cricketing extravaganza as he will be key to Punjab Kings' success in the tournament, the cricketer said he's not looking to put undue pressure upon himself.

"It's pretty much about sticking to the basics and focusing mainly on my fitness. I believe in keeping things simple and not complicating things in tough situations. I believe mental strength also plays a very important role when you're competing at this level. So, it's pretty much about doing things the right way and not putting myself under pressure," said Arshdeep.

Arshdeep made his IPL debut in 2019 for Punjab Kings and played just three games in that season. In 2020, he featured in 8 IPL games for the Mohali-based franchise but showed sparks of brilliance. The 2021 season held in the UAE proved to be a watershed moment for him as the left-arm quick picked up 18 wickets and seemed a much-improved bowler.

He eventually made his India call-up after a decent run in IPL 2022, where he picked up 10 wickets in 14 games. Since his debut for India in 2022 in England, the youngster has picked up 41 T20I wickets in 26 games and has been a regular feature in the shortest format for the Men in Blue.

When asked about his secret to nailing those toe-crushing yorkers and what all he learnt by rubbing shoulders with top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada during his India and IPL stints, the cricketer claimed having seasoned campaigners in the side helps for they have his back in tough situations.

"Sticking to the basics is my secret. I don't like experimenting in crucial situations and sticking to what's needed. Plus, having senior and more experienced athletes in the team surely helps you in performing better as they guide you through tough situations and have your back," he added further.

After the IPL 2023, Arshdeep will be heading to the United Kingdom to play for Kent County Club in the English summer and wishes to enhance his skills by being part of a club which has a celebrated history.

"I will be representing Kent Club in county cricket this season. I am really looking forward to this opportunity as it will help me to work on my existing skills and learn new ones. The club has a celebrated history and I am looking forward to being a part of it," Arshdeep stressed.

The cricketer is a brand ambassador of the sports brand Parimatch and when asked about how the association with Parimatch Sports will help him, he said, "When I was approached by Parimatch Sports, I resonated with their vision of providing young athletes with top-quality sports apparel.

"Good quality sports apparel is essential for every athlete. The brand's aim is to inspire young budding athletes to go the extra mile and bring out the best in them. I am happy to associate with a brand that has a long-term vision," he signed off.