Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that IPL bowling will shift toward a purely "defensive" approach to combat rapidly escalating scores, noting that trying to take wickets, rather than restricting runs, is causing bowlers to leak excessive runs.

Ashwin cited Punjab Kings’ first defeat of the season in New Chandigarh, where RR chased down the massive target of 223 with four balls to spare, highlighting that bowlers like Arshdeep Singh were punished when searching for wickets instead of sticking to defensive lines.

“The time will come when defensive bowling will become an art. SRH are demonstrating that. PBKS in contrast, have displayed chinks in their bowling armour in recent games,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“And one of the main reasons for this has been Arshdeep Singh. The very same Arshdeep who registered 3/22 at the Wankhede was taken for runs at Mullanpur. He was in search of the wickets are looked to deliver wicket-taking deliveries instead of sticking to defensive bowling," he added.

“He understands defensive bowling is the only way to go at Wankhede, but experiments with variations at other venues," Ashwin explained.

“For Arshdeep Singh’s calibre, he shouldn’t be leaking as many runs, that’s what Ricky Ponting would be telling him too."

“Why risk bowling high-risk wicket-taking balls when your job is to defend?"

Ashwin suggested PBKS to include specialized defensive bowlers, specifically mentioning the value of someone like Vyshak Vijaykumar.

“Vyshak Vijaykumar has to be included in the setup. He is one of the best defensive bowlers in the tournament," the legendary off-spinner said.

“They’d have to find way to being him in. Harpreet Brar did well too, so did Chahal, but they missed Vijaykumar," he remarked.