Breaking: I’ve Ability To Lead’: Grateful After PBKS Retention, Shashank Singh Eyes Fruitful Partnership With Coach Ponting… See More

Shashank Singh’s finishing skills made him the new poster boy of Punjab Kings last season and.

This year’s Diwali was special for Shashank Singh. The Indian Premier League (IPL) retentions were out and he was one of only two players Punjab Kings (PBKS) kept. It was the continuation of a remarkable turnaround. A year ago, his name was in the news as a mistaken purchase by the franchise at the mini-auction. In fact, he had to put out a tweet to confirm he’s the only ‘Shashank’ that Punjab intended to bid for.

Shashank main hun, mark idhar hai,’ says the cricketer in one of the videos shared by the franchise on its Instagram, depicting the lighter side of the slightly controversial event. But the fans only got to know his real identity once the season unfolded. His finishing skills became the talk of the town, making him the new poster boy of Punjab Kings. The Chhattisgarh batter ended the season as the highest scorer of the franchise, clattering 423 runs with 21 sixes and 28 fours.

Such was his impact that the PBKS decision-makers when deciding to go for a complete overhaul, decided to retain Shashank alongside Prabhsimran Singh. A fantastic season changed his price tag in a flash and he was the franchise’s first retention at Rs 5.5 crore, as an uncapped player.

It felt really good when it became official on Diwali,” Shashank tells News18 CricketNext in an exclusive interview. “I got a call 2-3 days before the announcement. It felt really good as they considered me capable enough to retain. They had that faith in me that I can do well for this team next year.

My mom and dad were the most relieved because of the amount of hard work they have done for me, hardly anyone else would have done so. I was quite relieved and had a lot of fun. Diwali was really good,” he adds.

‘Expected the least, received the most

Before the alleged auction goof-up, there was a phase when he burdened himself with expectations only to be let down. After a notable season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, he was in the auction pool but was left stranded without a buyer. It broke him from the inside but also taught him a valuable lesson – expect but not too much.

Cut to 2024, he was picked as PBKS’ first retention with newly-appointed head coach Ricky Ponting informing him, “We are sure for you.”

“Two years ago, when I was in the auction, I over-expected but it really felt bad when I wasn’t picked. That was my lowest point, I think, of my career and also of my personal life. But as a human, things go on in your mind, but this time I didn’t overthink or over-expect because it can hurt you,” Shashank recalls.

So, when I got the call, I was in Rajkot and leaving for Coimbatore. Satish Sir called me up and even Ricky sir told me that we are sure for you. I was happy and grateful at the same time,” he added.

Rs 20 Lakh to Rs 5.5 Crore – A leap of faith

The next day of Diwali was big for Chhattisgarh media. His pictures were on the tabloids and dailies and the headlines centered around the massive pay hike. Money matters, for sure but for Shashank, getting retained ahead of the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran, and Jitesh Sharma, was the silver lining.

See, money is vital. We cannot deny that. But getting retained, that too, before a mega auction is crucial. I have seen players who bagged big bucks at the auctions but they were nowhere the following year. But so far so good has been the journey. Also, thanks to the media for showing their support. My parents have been there throughout. I often recall my past and think about what transpired in the last auctions. My mother and father were really tensed but this year, everyone is relieved,” Shashank said.

Aspiration to lead

For the unversed, the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik have played under Shashank’s leadership. The allrounder has the skillset to captain a side and can inspire them win titles. And if PBKS presents him the opportunity to be among the leadership group, the 27-year-old won’t shy away.

Honestly, I don’t know much about it (chances of being included in the PBKS leadership group). I have been leading in the DY Patil T20 tournament for five years and touchwood, I’m doing good so far. Even for Chhattisgarh, if the management considers me capable of leading the side, I would accept it happily. I feel that I have the ability to lead a side and win a championship. Similarly, if Punjab Kings want to try me as captain, I will definitely grab that opportunity with both hands and make proper use of it. I will be grateful but not expecting anything,” Shashank said.

However, the responsibility on my shoulder doesn’t change at all. Be it an uncapped player last year or an uncapped retention now, the job is to go out and give my 110% and make the team win,” he added.

Association with coach Ponting

Ponting may not have won an IPL title during his long stint as a coach with the Delhi Capitals but he certainly has been playing a vital role in grooming players. Shashank has never worked with him but has heard a lot of stories, mostly the good ones, from someone like Shreyas Iyer.

I’ve never worked with him but I’ve heard all good things about him from my Mumbai mates who have played under him like, Aman Khan and Shreyas Iyer. They have always told me that your cricket will improve by several notches when you work with him. He’s a very positive guy, technically very sound and was a gun fielder as well. Also, he keeps the team atmosphere very light,” he said.

They said he’s far from being strict and is a very chilled-out guy. He never pressures you whether you score a hundred or get out for a duck. So, I’m looking forward to working with him. He is a legend and I’m sure I’m going to learn so much from him in the PBKS camp,” Shashank concluded.