Shashank Singh had a match-winning performance for PBKS in their 200-run chase against GT, batting an unbeaten 61 off 29 balls
On Thursday, the Punjab Kings secured a stunning victory over the Gujarat Titans in a dramatic finish to the 2024 Indian Premier League. thanks largely to the heroics of their uncapped Indian player, Shashank Singh. Chasing a challenging 200-run score in Ahmedabad, Shashank put out a sensational performance with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 61 off just 29 deliveries to secure a much-needed win for the Kings.
On December 19 Tensions mounted in the auction room when Mallika Sagar, the auctioneer, finalised the bidding process for Chhattisgarh’s Shashank. Little did she know that it would spark confusion among the PBKS owners, Ness Wadia and Preity Zinta, who argued that they had confused the player with another cricketer of the same name. Mallika, naturally, questioned their sudden change of heart.
“Was it a wrong name? You don’t want the player?” Mallika’s inquired, prompting a hesitant response from the PBKS camp. It appeared that there had been a mix-up involving Shashank Singh, leaving the owners in a precarious position. After speculations spiralled on social media over whether the PBKS had signed the wrong Shashank, the franchise itself stepped forward to dispel any doubts.
Setting the record straight, PBKS clarified that Shashank Singh had always been a target for their squad. Shashank, too, had reacted to the post from PBKS on X, insisting that he now looked forward to joining the side.
So, in a poetic sense, his innings versus GT was a true ‘Shashank Redemption’.
Shashank emerged as the hero for PBKS in the run-chase after the side endured a poor start to the run-chase. The side lost its first wicket for just 13 when Shikhar Dhawan (1) was castled by Umesh Yadav, and then lost another wicket in powerplay when Noor Ahmad dismissed the dangerous-looking Jonny Bairstow for 22. The side kept losing wickets at regular intervals and was reeling at 111/5 when Shashank took charge of the chase.
With two boundaries and a towering six against Umesh, Shashank plundered 17 runs in the 11th over, igniting hope for the PBKS supporters. Despite the loss of partners at the other end, he continued to wield his bat with authority, finding the boundary ropes and clearing the fence with ease.
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