Mohali, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Ludhiana Lions captain Arshdeep Singh has urged his team to remain focused on the task at hand rather than get distracted by the points table as they look to secure a top-four finish in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League.
Ludhiana, currently third in the standings, will face Amritsar Soormas in their final league match at the IS Bindra Stadium on Friday. With most teams still in contention for the remaining three playoff spots, the encounter could prove decisive in the race for the last four.
“We go into our final league match with the same mindset, focusing only on the game in front of us and not getting distracted by the points table,” Arshdeep said ahead of the match.
The Lions head into the crucial fixture with renewed confidence after ending a three-match losing streak with a six-wicket victory over Shubman Gill’s Fazilka Falcons.
Salil Arora led the chase with a blistering 78 off 38 balls, while Bikramjeet Singh and Arjun Rajput contributed 58 and 35 respectively to help Ludhiana comfortably overhaul the target.
“We’re at the business end of the tournament. I believe we have played much better cricket than our current points suggest. With one league match remaining, the plan is simple: go out, execute our plans and do everything within our ability to fight for a place in the playoffs,” Arshdeep said.
“It is still within our reach. I’m confident that if we tighten up the small things that have gone against us in the last few matches, we can find ourselves in the final four.”
Arshdeep also praised the way senior players and emerging youngsters have embraced their responsibilities throughout the campaign.
“Every member of the squad, whether an experienced senior or a young talent who may not have as many games under his belt, has taken his role and responsibility extremely seriously,” he said.
Among the youngsters, Arjun Rajput, Kartik Chadha, Sahil Bhaskar and Madhav Singh Pathania have made notable contributions.
Rajput produced an all-round performance against Bathinda Royals, scoring 82 off 45 balls and taking four wickets for 27 runs. Leg-spinner Kartik Chadha has also emerged as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers, currently second on the charts behind teammate Sahil Bhaskar.
“Arjun Rajput is an obvious name. He’s slowly been making his presence felt and has also earned his U19 call-up. I genuinely believe he has a very bright future ahead,” Arshdeep said.
“Kartik Chadha is another player who really stands out to me. He has shades of multiple Indian superstars in his game, and I’m confident that whenever he gets the opportunity, he’ll grab it with both hands. His bowling performances already speak for themselves.”
Ludhiana Lions will take on Abhishek Sharma’s Amritsar Soormas at 7 pm on Friday in a potentially decisive clash for playoff qualification.
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