New Delhi, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Kings batter Nehal Wadhera has acknowledged that IPL 2026 was a disappointing season for him, but said the experience taught him valuable lessons and has left him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the new domestic season.
Wadhera was among the notable performers for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, scoring 369 runs in 16 matches. His unbeaten 33 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-affected league game was one of his notable contributions as PBKS reached the final, where RCB won the title in Ahmedabad.
His fortunes changed in IPL 2026, when he managed only 65 runs from eight appearances.
“I just couldn’t click this year. I had certain expectations of myself, but it didn’t click. I definitely learned a lot of things from it, and I’m working on them now. Every player goes through such patches in their career,” Wadhera told IANS in an interview on Thursday.
Rather than dwell on his lack of runs or limited opportunities, the left-hander said he used the season to understand how he could become more consistent and contribute in difficult situations.
“I used to make notes from the games where I couldn’t do well and also the games I didn’t play. I would think about what I would have done if I had been playing. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t click,” he said.
Wadhera credited captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting for their support and guidance during the difficult campaign. He said both encouraged him to continue working on his game rather than become frustrated by his lack of results.
“I did not complain or have any regrets. I was having conversations with Shreyas and Ricky about how I could improve and what they felt I was lacking,” he said.
The batter added that his practice performances remained encouraging, with Ponting also expressing satisfaction with his batting. “I was giving my best, but it didn’t happen,” Wadhera said.
At PBKS’ ongoing off-season camp in New Chandigarh, Wadhera, along with Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, is working on his strengths and areas that require improvement ahead of the domestic season and IPL 2027. He will represent Himachal Pradesh in domestic cricket.
Assistant bowling coach Trevor Gonsalves has been closely monitoring the players during the camp, recording their sessions and reviewing footage with them. Wadhera said the presence of top Punjab bowlers has provided a demanding environment in which batters can test themselves.
The camp has so far featured open net sessions and practice games, although rain has disrupted outdoor activities.
Wadhera also praised PBKS for conducting regular off-season camps and providing players with access to training, gym facilities, massage, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and pool sessions.
“Punjab Kings have been really good in this. They take care of the players to the best level, and it brings the best game out of the players,” he said.
Wadhera, who was briefly part of the India A setup, is not making any predictions about what IPL 2027 will bring. Instead, he is relying on the work being put in now.
“I’ve practised well, and I know if I’m brought into this similar situation again, I’ll end up doing well,” he said.
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