\u201cIt\u2019s my 19th IPL, so I\u2019ve been around a lot of cricket teams. I think people on the outside expect guys to be dejected, but it\u2019s not been like that at all. It\u2019s been very positive, the guys have stuck together. I think the guys are up for it. We\u2019re still in the game, we still have two more matches, we can still win this thing,\u201d Leipus said on Saturday.<\/p>\n
After five defeats on the trot, Punjab needs to win both its remaining games and hope Rajasthan Royals loses at least once in three games to get through to the Playoffs.<\/p>\n
Leipus said that the experience of Shreyas Iyer, who had won a title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, is helping the team keep a lid on the nervous energy before Punjab\u2019s must-win games.<\/p>\n
\u201cShreyas is still incredibly confident and positive, and leading from the front, on and off the field. He\u2019s a very sociable guy. He doesn\u2019t stand apart from anyone else. He\u2019s in the mix, he\u2019s at breakfast with everyone. He\u2019s not like a king, I believe with some other franchises [that] might be the case. We\u2019ve got quite a young team and they\u2019re hopefully picking up on those vibes and staying calm,\u201d Leipus said.<\/p>\n
Leipus also defended frontline pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been criticised for over-indulging on social media platforms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know there\u2019s been a bit of chatter behind the scenes going on, vlogging and what not. In terms of his behaviour, Arshdeep is pretty much the same. He\u2019s not up or down. He gives his best out there. He\u2019s been feeling a lot better in the last couple of weeks, physically. Overall, he\u2019s pretty consistent with his behaviour and his attitude. He\u2019s a very loud person in the dressing room. That hasn\u2019t changed. He\u2019s not up and down, he\u2019s very calm,\u201d Leipus said.<\/p>\n
RCB backing Bethell to come good<\/b><\/p>\n
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowling coach Omkar Salvi said Jacob Bethell deserved a long rope despite a slew of middling scores at the top, a position he is not accustomed to.<\/p>\n
![\"Royal](\"https:\/\/ss-i.thgim.com\/public\/incoming\/ezu6rz\/article70988103.ece\/alternates\/FREE_1200\/11908_13_5_2026_22_57_52_2_DSC_3035.JPG\" "\\"Royal")
<\/p>\n\n | Photo Credit:
\n EMMANUAL YOGINI\n <\/p>\n
![\"lightbox-info\"\/](\"https:\/\/assetsss.thehindu.com\/theme\/images\/SSRX\/lightbox-info.svg\")
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s Jacob Bethell plays a shot during an IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
\n | Photo Credit:
\n EMMANUAL YOGINI\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cI think Bethell has proven himself on the world stage that he is a great batsman. And in this format, I think he is a world-class player. So, it doesn\u2019t matter what position he is batting in. He is such a mature player that he adapts himself and we have seen him performing well. So, it is not a problem for us,\u201d Salvi said.<\/p>\n
Salvi also heaped praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who leads the Purple Cap standings with 22 wickets in 12 games.<\/p>\n
On what has brought out the best in Bhuvneshwar despite approaching the twilight of his career, Salvi said: \u201cI think looking at his experience, he understands his body well. He knows what are the fitness components he needs to work over, and he has worked religiously upon it. That has reflected on his bowling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on May 16, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n