Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh, the uncapped batsman who emerged as a hero for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2024 clash against Gujarat Titans (GT), credited skipper Shikhar Dhawan for his unwavering support and guidance. Singh’s exceptional knock of 61* off just 29 deliveries helped PBKS pull off a seemingly improbable chase against GT’s formidable bowling attack.
Facing a mammoth target of 200 runs, PBKS found themselves in a precarious position at 111/5 in the 13th over. However, Singh, who had registered a duck in the previous match against Delhi Capitals (DC), defied the odds with his aggressive strokeplay, leaving the Ahmedabad crowd in awe.
Dhawan’s Backing Proves Instrumental
Singh attributed his success to Dhawan’s constant encouragement and technical advice. “Shikhar bhai [brother] has backed me a lot,” Singh said in a post-match interview. “Even after I got out for a duck against DC, he called me into his room and assured me that the team had my back. He also provides valuable technical insights to help me improve my game. His focus isn’t just on winning or losing, but on helping players elevate their game to the next level.”
Franchise Owner Preity Zinta Offers Support
Franchise owner Preity Zinta’s presence at the match further motivated the players, including Singh. Recalling his first interaction with Zinta, Singh said, “Preity ma’am is a constant source of support for the team, and she was very happy with the win. During our first meeting, she expressed her confidence in me, saying she believed I could win the game for us. I’m glad I could contribute to PBKS’s victory, and hopefully there will be more to come.”
Shashank’s Batting Order Promotion and Coach’s Instructions
Singh’s promotion in the batting order, where he came in ahead of Jitesh Sharma, proved to be a masterstroke. He revealed the conversation he had with the management before the chase: “It was a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve always believed these are the matches where you can make a significant impact for your team. Coach Sanjay [Bangar] sir advised me to stay relaxed when I went in to bat. When Sam Curran got out, I deliberately avoided looking at the scoreboard, which was a good thing. It allowed me to react based on the ball being bowled. My intent was clear – go out there and score runs.”
Management’s Backing and Focus on Natural Game
Singh emphasized the importance of the coach and management’s unwavering support. “They’ve always had my back,” he said. “They advised me to play my natural game, the way I do in domestic cricket. GT boasts a strong bowling attack, so I focused on playing each ball on its merit and reacted accordingly.”
Shashank Singh will look to continue his impressive form when PBKS take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Punjab.
