Shashank Singh, a 32-year-old right-handed batter and right-arm offs pinner, made headlines with a remarkable performance for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024.
Despite a shaky start for PBKS against Gujarat Titans (GT), Shashank emerged as the hero of the evening at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With PBKS struggling at 70/4, Shashank's aggressive batting turned the tide, smashing an unbeaten 61 off just 29 balls. His explosive innings not only steered PBKS to a thrilling victory but also showcased his ability to handle pressure and dominate top-notch bowling attacks. Shashank's stellar performance defied expectations, proving his worth as a match-winner for PBKS.
Auction 'Drama'
Shashank Singh's arrival at Punjab Kings was shrouded in drama. The selection of Shashank Singh in the auction sparked considerable controversy. During the IPL 2024 auction, Punjab Kings co-owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia appeared perplexed upon winning the bid for the uncapped Indian player. It seemed that the franchise had not initially intended to acquire him, yet the bid was made nonetheless. Auctioneer Mallika Sagar also appeared taken aback as PBKS management reviewed the auction list. Despite the uncertainty, Punjab Kings proceeded with the purchase and publicly welcomed Shashank Singh to their team via a post on X.
The franchise later clarified that acquiring Shashank Singh had always been part of their strategy.
Shashank's Journey
Shashank Singh's cricket journey reflects a blend of struggle and triumph. Raised in Mumbai's renowned Kanga League, known for his six-hitting prowess, Shashank faced challenges breaking into the domestic cricket scene due to his unorthodox technique. Despite frustrations of inconsistent game time, he found stability after stints in Puducherry and eventually Chhattisgarh. In a twist of fate, Shashank played a pivotal role in Chhattisgarh's historic victory over Mumbai. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian to score 150+ runs and claim five wickets in a List-A match against Manipur, cementing his status as a versatile cricketer.
Shashank Singh boasts an impressive record in domestic T20 cricket, having participated in 58 matches and amassing 754 runs at a striking rate of 137.34. The 32-year-old all-rounder represents Chhattisgarh at the national level, showcasing his versatility on the field. In the IPL, he's traversed various teams, previously featuring for SunRisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals), and Rajasthan Royals. With his experience and adaptability, Shashank has established himself as a seasoned campaigner in the Indian Premier League.
Punjab Kings' match-winner Shashank Singh attributed his success in chasing down a massive 200-run target to his unwavering belief. He shared that he always walks out to bat with the conviction of being the top batsman.
Shashank slammed an unbeaten 29-ball 61 as PBKS won the match by three wickets on the penultimate ball of the thrilling match. "They (senior players) are the legends of the game, but when I go to bat I think I am the best. You get experience, couldn't get a lot of matches before. Here the owners and coaching staff backed me. I was very confident," said the 32-year-old all-rounder, who outshone GT skipper Shubman Gill on the day with his pyrotechnics and winning mentality.
(With PTI input)
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