Shashank Singh – this is a name that will be talked about a lot in the coming days during the IPL 2024. On Thursday, when all hope was lost for Punjab Kings while chasing a total of 200 runs against Gujarat Titans, Shashank Singh emerged as the Hero of the Shikhar Dhawan-led team. The batting all-rounder scored 61* off just 29 balls to take his team to a win in 19.5 overs. He hit four sixes and six fours as PBKS registered their second win in four matches in the IPL 2024.
However, the induction of Shashank Singh into the PBKS ranks created some controversy last year. Towards the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction, Shashank Singh was roped in by Punjab Kings for Rs 20 lakh. But soon after he was picked in the fast-track auction, some confusion seemed to arise due to the gestures of Punjab Kings co-owners Ness Wadia and Preity Zinta. When Shashank’s name came up, Preity Zinta raised the paddle after discussing the player with her team. The player was quickly sold as no other franchise had bid for him, and the hammer came down.
As there seemed to be some confusion, auctioneer Mallik Sagar said: “It was a wrong name? Don’t you want the player?” Mallika asked. “We are talking about Shashank Singh. But the hammer has fallen. Player No. 236 and 237 both went to you. I think the hammer has fallen for 237 (Shashank) too,” she said.
The incident led to a social media storm over Punjab Kings not wanting a player they had just bought. However, Punjab Kings issued a clarification on Wednesday: “Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to two players with the same name being on the list. We are happy to have him on board and see how he contributes to our success.
After Shashank’s latest exploits, auction-confusing memes flooded the internet.
When you accidentally buy Shashank Singh at auction and he turns out to be a match winner pic.twitter.com/VfJeheyD5f
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) April 4, 2024
For all of you who said Shashank Singh was a mistake by Punjab Kings to buy him at auction! This is for you #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi #TATAIPL2024 #GTvPBKS pic.twitter.com/cp37lCOXEH
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 4, 2024
Shashank Singh of the night.. pic.twitter.com/ZWdCNyGqZj
— CricVipez (@CricVipezAP) April 4, 2024
How to show gratitude towards Shashank Singh: https://t.co/owiEa5Snsv
— Jahir-ul (@Zuheb_786) April 4, 2024
Punjab Kings match-winner Shashank Singh said his mentality of always going in and thinking he is the best has helped him achieve the imposing target of 200 runs set by Gujarat Titans in an IPL match here on Thursday.
Shashank hit an unbeaten 29-ball 61 as PBKS won the match by three wickets on the penultimate ball of the thrilling match.
“They (senior players) are the legends of the game, but when I get started I think I am the best. You get experience, before I couldn’t play many matches. Here the owners and coaching staff supported me. I have a lot of confidence,” said the 32-year-old all-rounder, who surpassed GT skipper Shubman Gill on the day with his pyrotechnics and winning mentality.
With PTI inputs
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