'We have to be at our best from first match': Arshdeep Singh ahead of Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026

India left-arm pace bowler Arshdeep Singh will represent Ludhiana Lions as their marquee player in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026, which is scheduled to begin on August 30. The tournament, featuring six teams, runs through September 13.

The Lions squad, alongside the left-arm seamer, includes Krish Bhagat, Salil Arora, Jass Inder, Abhijeet Garg, Arjun Rajput, Yuvi Goyal, Kartik Chadha, Taranveer Singh Randhawa, Havneet Singh, Rajvir Jaswal and Harish Kumar. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Arshdeep spoke about the team's readiness and his personal excitement at being part of the competition.

"It feels great to be part of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. There is a lot of excitement around the tournament, and I am really looking forward to being part of the Ludhiana Lions and this journey. The preparations have been very good so far. We have spent a lot of time working on our skills, understanding our roles and preparing for different match situations. Now, the main focus is to take that confidence from the training ground into the matches," Arshdeep said, speaking to the press.

How has Ludhiana Lions' preparation shaped up ahead of the tournament?

Ludhiana Lions have focused on building competitive intensity during their training sessions, with players working on their individual skills as well as their collective understanding of match situations. Arshdeep noted that the squad has taken their preparation seriously, with healthy competition among players seen as a positive indicator for the team. Looking ahead to the six-team competition, Arshdeep stressed the importance of consistency and executing plans from the opening game.

"Everyone has been very serious during the practice sessions. There is healthy competition within the squad, and that is always a good sign for any team. We have also worked on different match situations because T20 cricket can change very quickly. One over, one partnership or one wicket can change the entire game, so the aim is to be ready for every situation and make the right decisions under pressure," Arshdeep said.

"The competition is going to be tough because every team has quality players. There are no easy games in T20 cricket, so we will have to be at our best from the first match. We don't want to look too far ahead. The focus will be on taking one game at a time, executing our plans and continuing to improve as the tournament progresses. If we can stay consistent and play according to our plans, hopefully we can have a good campaign," he added.

What does Arshdeep Singh see as the bigger purpose of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League?

Beyond the competitive aspect of the tournament, Arshdeep highlighted the value the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League holds for younger cricketers in Punjab. He pointed to the learning opportunities that arise when emerging players share a dressing room and training environment with senior professionals. He also outlined what he personally considers the most meaningful outcome of the league.

"For a youngster, playing alongside experienced players can be a huge advantage. There is so much they can learn just by watching how senior players train, how they prepare before a match and how they handle pressure when the situation is not going their way. These small things can make a big difference in a young player's development," he said.

"For me, the biggest success of this league will be seeing young players get opportunities and make a name for themselves. Punjab has always produced talented cricketers, and if this league can help more youngsters take that next step in their careers, it will be a great achievement," he added.