The Punjab Kings are gearing up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with a palpable sense of ambition, driven by a clear objective to go one step further and claim the coveted trophy. Following a heart-wrenching defeat in the 2025 final, all-rounder Shashank Singh has boldly predicted that his team will lift the cup this year, expressing unwavering confidence in the squad’s capabilities and collective belief.
The Kings experienced a remarkable journey in the previous IPL season, reaching the final for the first time in a decade. Their campaign, however, ended in disappointment as they narrowly lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by a mere six runs in a nail-biting encounter. Despite the setback, the team has emerged with renewed determination.
A Champion’s Conviction
Shashank Singh articulated his conviction with striking clarity: “I know that on May 31st, we will be playing at the Chinnaswamy and lifting the cup. It’s not just a feeling, I know this. This will happen.” This bold assertion stems from a deep-seated self-belief and a unified team spirit. “It’s the self belief and team belief. Everyone is on the same page. There is confidence in everyone,” he added, underscoring the strong camaraderie and shared vision within the Punjab Kings camp.
Strategic Approach: Match by Match
The Punjab Kings demonstrated a dominant performance in IPL 2025, finishing at the top of the league stage with an impressive nine wins from fourteen matches. Their path to the final was secured after a decisive victory over the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. However, Shashank stressed that the team will not be resting on their laurels or dwelling on past successes.
Speaking on the ‘JioStar Press Room’ platform, Shashank outlined the team’s strategic focus: “We will take it match by match because the ultimate aim is to get a trophy. If we keep thinking we reached the final last year, there will be a lot of pressure on us. So our immediate aim is to prepare for our first game against GT, then against CSK and KKR.” This measured, game-by-game approach is designed to mitigate pressure and ensure consistent focus.
The Punjab Kings squad, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and guided by the coaching expertise of Ricky Ponting, boasts significant stability. With 21 players retained from the previous season, there’s a strong foundation of understanding and synergy among the players. “To play the final and win is the ultimate goal. But we have to focus on every match, rectify our mistakes that will be easier. We are very motivated and excited that we are the same group. We are better prepared than last year,” Shashank affirmed.
Embracing the Role, Prioritising the Team
Shashank Singh has wholeheartedly embraced his role in the lower middle order, attributing his development as a player to this position. He explained, “It’s important to love the role. Earlier I also used to think I am a top-order batter and I have been thrown down the order. But then I fell in love with the role.” He further elaborated on the critical elements for success in this batting position: “The most important thing to prosper in this role is to get the backing (of the team management and dressing room) because you need freedom to play high-risk cricket.”
This season, Shashank’s primary focus is on contributing to the team’s overall success, placing it above any personal accolades. “It is more a mental game than skill game during the IPL,” he observed. Reflecting on his previous year, which was hampered by injuries, he stated, “The past year didn’t go well for me as I had a spate of injuries and I couldn’t play competitive cricket much.” His overarching ambition remains clear: “My biggest goal is to make an impact for the team. Individual goal wills be secondary because I want the team to win and I want a photo with the cup.”
He also shared an interesting insight into his batting philosophy: “I don’t like batting much in the nets, and I prefer to bat in the games because my role requires to use the mind more than the skill set, stay calm under pressure.” This approach highlights his tactical acumen and mental fortitude.
Navigating the Sophomore Season Pressure
Shashank also offered his perspective on the challenges faced by young, emerging talents within the IPL. He specifically mentioned players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya, who impressed in the previous season. “It won’t be difficult but teams will be better prepared and there will be pressure of performance this year. We all know what IPL is. There will be expectation from them,” he commented, acknowledging the increased scrutiny and strategic planning that opposition teams will employ.
He pointed out that the “second season” for young players often presents a more significant hurdle. “Like last year for me, I didn’t want to be a one-year wonder. Those who do well in one season, their second season becomes really important because every team is planning for us and there is fan, owner, franchise pressure.” This sentiment underscores the heightened expectations and the need for adaptability and continued development for players who have had a breakthrough season. Shashank himself experienced a significant breakthrough in IPL 2024, amassing 354 runs across 14 matches, setting a strong precedent for his own future performances and that of his young teammates.
