IPL 2025: Shashank Singh emerges as PBKS's match-winner against GT
What's the story
Batter Shashank Singh once again proved his mettle, this time in Punjab Kings's IPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans.
His 16-ball 44* (6 fours and 2 sixes) was the differential for the Kings as they claimed an 11-run win.
PBKS racked up a record 243/5 and restricted the Titans to 232/5. Although skipper Shreyas Iyer led with an unbeaten 97, it was Shashank's blazing finish that made a difference.
He is our Player of the Day.
Teamwork
Iyer encourages Shashank Singh to prioritize team's needs
As the final over neared, Iyer asked Shashank, who was in great touch and had scored 22 off 10 balls, to concentrate on getting runs for the team instead of thinking about his own century.
This selfless gesture was a true mark of leadership and teamwork.
Taking Iyer's advice, Shashank smashed five boundaries off Mohammed Siraj's over in a brilliant show of power hitting.
This effort took Punjab Kings to a mammoth 243/5 in their 20 overs.
Player response
Shashank reflects on Iyer's encouragement
After the first innings, Singh spoke about Iyer's encouragement to put the team's needs ahead of personal milestones.
He said, "Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more."
Singh added that Iyer had told him just focus on watching and reacting to the ball.
He also stressed on focusing on one's strengths rather than the ucontrollables while batting in a high-pressure situation like this.
Match
How the match panned out
Iyer joined Priyansh Arya (47) in the fourth over after GT elected to field. The duo added 51 runs.
Iyer (97*) later found another potent partner in Shashank. The two batters went berserk toward the end as PBKS finished at 243/5.
In response, GT were in the hunt till the very end thanks to Sai Sudarshan (74), Jos Buttler (54), and Sherfane Rutherford (46). However, some class death bowling from PBKS pacers meant GT fell short.
Shashank
Shashank starred in IPL 2024
PBKS's Shashank made a name for himself in IPL 2024 with his aggressive yet strategic batting.
Shashank had a breakout season last year, as he scored 354 runs at a strike-rate of 164.65. His tally included two half-centuries.
Although PBKS failed to make the playoffs, Shashank's imperious form was a highlight.
The right-handed batter has now raced past 450 runs in the tournament. His strike-rate reads 167.98.