IPL 2024: Decoding PBKS batter Shashank Singh's dream run
Shashank Singh's destruction in the ongoing 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) has made him a household name. The Punjab Kings batter, who has aced the finisher's role, will next be seen against Chennai Super Kings in Match 49 in at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 1. The dasher would be raring to extend his purple patch. Let's decode his stats in IPL 2024.
An 'accidental' buy for PBKS
PBKS bought Shashank for his base price of Rs. 20 lakh in the 2024 IPL auction. However, his bid was controversial as soon after making the purchase, PBKS owners told the auctioneer that they wanted the other player of the same name. They, however, couldn't reverse the bid. Later, PBKS released an official statement, saying Shashank's purchase was not accidental.
His run in the ongoing season
Having played nine games in IPL 2024, the 32-year-old has clobbered 263 runs at a brilliant average of 65.75 (50s: 2). His strike rate is a jaw-dropping 182.63 as Shashank has returned unbeaten five times. While he has crossed the 40-run mark four times, he has been dismissed on single digits on a couple of occasions.
Couple of match-winning fifties
Shashank created a buzz with a valiant 29-ball 61* against Gujarat Titans. His brilliance helped PBKS chase down 200 after being reduced to 70/4. The Chhattisgarh batter recently helped PBKS chase down the highest total in T20 cricket, 262 versus Kolkata Knight Riders. He starred with a 28-ball 68* as PBKS comfortably crossed the line in the penultimate over.
Astronomical striking in death overs
As per ESPNcricinfo, 122 of Shashank's 263 runs in IPL 2024 have come in IPL 2024. Among batters with at least 60 runs in this phase so far, only MS Dhoni (259.45) and Tristan Stubbs (255.38) own a better strike rate. Meanwhile, Shashank has 19 fours besides 18 sixes this season. He is currently PBKS' leading run-getter this year with 263 runs.
Here are his IPL numbers
Coming to his overall IPL numbers, Shashank has 332 runs across 19 matches at 41.50. His strike rate is 173.82. The batter made his IPL debut in the 2022 season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The franchise released him after the season as he went unsold ahead of IPL 2023. He has revived his IPL career with a dream season for PBKS.
1,000 T20 runs loading for Shashank
Overall in T20 cricket, Shashank now has 987 runs across 64 matches at 24.67. His strike rate is 145.79 as the tally includes seven fifties. With his off-spin, the 32-year-old has scalped 15 wickets at an economy of 8.18.
