Shashank Singh, the unwanted hero of PBKS

Shashank Singh is not playing on the IPL stage for the first time. Before this, he has played in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils (2017), Rajasthan Royals (2019-21), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2022) as a batting all-rounder. This time, Punjab Kings (PBKS) picked him up through auction.

Despite getting out without scoring any runs in the first match against Delhi Capitals, Shashank remained not out in the next three matches. He remained unbeaten against Royal Challengers Bengaluru with 21 runs, vs Lucknow Super Giants by 9 runs, and unbeaten 61 runs against Gujarat Titans. 

At the age of 32, this batter has proved himself. Punjab Kings didn't pick him on auction by choice. The franchise made a mistake by taking this 32-year-old instead of the 19-year-old batter they had planned to buy. That player was none other than Shashank Singh.

Shashank Singh, whom PBKS didn't want to buy, turned out to be the match-winner, holding the bat for Punjab Kings, and securing the victory. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed his stellar performance on Thursday night.

With 6 fours and 4 sixes in 29 balls, an unbeaten 61-run inning in the IPL is remarkable, making it his best innings in T20 cricket. He carried the inning on his shoulders, leaving Punjab with only 1 ball to spare to reach 199. However, Jeetesh Sharma (16 off 8) and Ashutosh Sharma (31 off 17) played small but crucial roles to support Shashank Singh's innings.

Punjab Kings currently sit at the 5th position in the points table with 2 wins in 4 matches. To climb higher in the points table, the team will hope to see more such performances from Shashank Singh.