A Game-Changing Moment
When Shashank Singh was given the ball, the match for Punjab Kings took a dramatic turn. Initially, when Travis Head (38) and Abhishek Sharma (74) were batting, the projected score was around 230 to 240. However, Shreyas Iyer introduced Shashank into the bowling attack, which proved to be a game-changer.
Shashank, known as the “chhota Sarpanch,” hasn’t been used much as a bowler by the team. In 2024, he took one wicket but went wicketless in 2025. In this particular match, he managed to take two crucial wickets of Abhishek and Head, which significantly altered the course of the game.
The Player of the Match’s Perspective
During the post-match presentation, the Player of the Match, who is also the skipper of the Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer, revealed that it was Shashank himself who approached him asking for the ball. Speaking to former Indian cricketer turned commentator Anjum Chopra, Shreyas appreciated that the SRH batters had been going “bonkers” and they needed a breakthrough.
During the strategic timeout, Shashank asked for the ball, and the head coach, Ricky Ponting, sought Shreyas’ opinion. Iyer accepted that he needed someone who could lower the speed and bowl around 120 kmph. And Shashank seemed like the right choice for the side. Iyer said,
“All of us came together, and Shashank approached me, give me an over. Ricky came and asked me, what’s your thought? I said I’ll go with Shashank – I need someone to take the pace off. He lived up to his expectations, he lived up to what he said, kudos to him.”
Shashank’s Contributions
Shashank Singh contributed to Punjab’s win not just with his bowling but also with his batting. Notably, he scored 16 runs off 9 balls, hitting a six and a four, providing support to Shreyas while chasing 220 runs.
PBKS started strongly with Priyansh Arya (57) and Prabhsimran Singh (51). Despite quick dismissals of Cooper Connolly and Nehal Wadhera, Shreyas held the wicket on the other side, remained unbeaten for 69 runs, and won the match with a boundary in the final ball.
Commentary and Insights
The commentators, including the former SRH bowling coach Dale Steyn, were talking to James Hopes, the PBKS bowling coach, who mentioned that Shashank sometimes has bowling net sessions in the PBKS camp. He primarily follows instruction based on lower-order batting. However, Steyn candidly remarked on Shashank as “lazy,” claiming he bowled regularly while he was with SRH.
Key Moments in the Match
- Shashank’s Bowling Impact: Shashank’s two crucial wickets of Abhishek and Head changed the momentum of the game.
- Strategic Decision: Shreyas Iyer made a strategic decision to use Shashank, who delivered under pressure.
- Batting Contribution: Shashank’s 16 runs off 9 balls were vital in the chase.
- Team Performance: Punjab Kings showed strong performance with key contributions from Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
Conclusion
Punjab Kings’ victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a result of several key moments, with Shashank Singh playing a pivotal role both with the ball and the bat. His proactive approach and ability to deliver under pressure were instrumental in securing the win. The team’s overall performance, combined with individual brilliance, highlighted their strength and determination.
