Punjab Kings’ bowling coach James Hopes said that not creating enough chances allowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to post an above-par 222 for four during their IPL 2026 match here on Sunday.

“We need to tidy up some areas. Today, once again, I felt like we were always chasing our tail with the ball, not creating enough opportunities early. We controlled the PowerPlay pretty well, but every time we’d get back the momentum, they’d be big over and get back on top,” Hopes said after Kings’ 23-run loss.

Backs under-fire Arshdeep

Hopes also denied suggestions that Arshdeep Singh was not fully committed to the team amid a slew of off-field controversies.

“Arshdeep bowled well in the back half of the tournament. He’s been aggressive. There’s been plays-and-misses [off his bowling]. There’s been catches dropping short of people, some missed opportunities.

“He has been training as much as he’s ever trained, doing everything he normally does. I think if you add maybe four of the drop catches that should have been taken, he’s on a 17-18 wicket season and he’s going well. He fronts up every training session, every game, ready to go. And today was no different. He’s a warrior, Arshdeep,” Hopes said.

“Lockie Ferguson was always going to be the pacer that filled that overseas role. He just hasn’t gotten on in the tournament in the few games he’s played. I know in hindsight it is really easy to sit here and say we shouldn’t have changed anything. Xavier Bartlett was filling his role at the start. He was bowling well at the end. But we just went to the combination that we thought would take us through,” Hopes added.