Shashank Singh, previously involved in an intriguing auction narrative, orchestrated a remarkable comeback for Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His pivotal innings shifted momentum after Punjab Kings faced early setbacks. Scoring an unbeaten 61 runs, Shashank played a decisive role in securing victory for his team. Assisted by Ashutosh, they successfully turned the tables on Gujarat Titans, seizing the win on the opposition’s home ground. Singh’s performance showcased his resilience and ability to deliver under pressure.
Shashank Singh: PBKS’s New Unsung Hero:
Before his heroic innings, Shashank had already left an imprint on domestic cricket while representing Chhattisgarh. His performances in List A and T20 formats testify to his skillset. With a batting average that commands admiration and a strike rate that unsettles bowlers, Shashank’s role as a versatile bater has been pivotal in his team’s success.
Shashank Singh, a 32-year-old batting all-rounder, has participated in 58 domestic T20 matches, accumulating 754 runs at an impressive strike rate of 137.34. He represents Chhattisgarh at the national level. In the IPL, he’s been associated with various franchises, including SunRisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), and Rajasthan Royals, establishing himself as a seasoned campaigner.
The Auction Mishap:
In the thrilling IPL 2024 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Shashank Singh emerged as PBKS’s new hero. During the mini-auction, there was confusion when PBKS bid for the 32-year-old all-rounder from Chhattisgarh. Despite rumours suggesting otherwise, PBKS eventually secured Shashank for his starting price of Rs 20 lakh, after co-owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia conversed with auctioneer Malika Sagar.
Interestingly, Shashank remained unsold in the previous mega auction, adding to the intrigue surrounding his acquisition. His name reverberated throughout the stadium as he played a pivotal role in PBKS’s victory over GT. Despite the initial confusion surrounding his purchase, Shashank’s performance proved his worth, solidifying his position as a key player in the PBKS lineup for the IPL 2024 season.
After that mishap, Punjab Kings informed, “Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him on board and see him contribute to our success.”
PBKS CEO Satish Menon said, “Two players of similar names on the IPL list created confusion. I am delighted to share that the right Shashank Singh has been onboarded. He has put out some noteworthy performances, and we’re ready to unleash his talent.”
Shashank Singh’s Today’s Performance:
Emerging batter Shashank Singh’s undefeated innings propelled Punjab Kings to a gripping three-wicket victory in their IPL 2024 encounter against Gujarat Titans. Pursuing a target of 200 runs, PBKS faced rapid dismissals, yet Shashank exhibited resilience, crafting a remarkable unbeaten score of 61 from 29 deliveries, steering his team to triumph with just one ball remaining. Alongside him, Ashutosh Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh contributed with 31 and 35 runs respectively, solidifying Punjab Kings’ successful chase.
Shashank Singh was awarded the Player of the Match title for his outstanding display. His remarkable performance stood out, earning him the accolade. Singh’s exceptional contributions during the game were recognized, making him the deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Shashank said, “ I have visualised all these things, but today it turned into reality. Coach told me to react to the ball. I usually bat at No 7 but today I was at 5. The bounce was good, and 200 scored by both teams, so the wicket was fantastic. (On facing Rashid, Mohit, Noor) Yes they are the legends of the game, but when I go to bat I think I am the best.”
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