Shashank Singh, the 32-year-old journeyman cricketer, is scripting a fairy tale with match-winning performances for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 after being their ‘accidental buy’. His 29-ball 61* vs GT turned the game on its head.
Shashank Singh: The ‘Accidental Buy’ Becoming Punjab Kings’ Inspirational Match-Winner in IPL 2024
In the fascinating world of the IPL, stories of unexpected heroics have become commonplace. This year, it is the turn of Shashank Singh – the quintessential journeyman who was merely an “accidental buy” for Punjab Kings but has grabbed his chance with both hands through sheer determination.
The 32-year-old right-hand batter and handy off-spinner had been in the wilderness after going unsold in the 2023 IPL auction. Having played bit-part roles for franchises like Delhi, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad previously while learning from greats like Brian Lara and Steve Smith, Shashank had nearly contemplated quitting the game last year.
The story of Shashank Singh’s Accidental Buy
It so happened that in the IPL 2024 auction, there were two players named Shashank Singh who were listed. Punjab Kings who were aiming to buy the other Shashank Singh, accidently bought this Shashank Singh. As soon as they found out about this mishap, right in the auction hall, Preity Zinta and the other PBKS officials were found asking the auctioneer to revert this decision of IPL Buy. However they refused to do so.
However, fixing their reputation, PBKS tweeted they always wanted to buy the same Shashank Singh, but they though they had bought the other Shashank Singh ( series of miscommunications ). Addressing this PBKS official twitter account tweeted saying “Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him onboard and see him contribute to our success.”
It is true that such occurring would demotivate a person, however Shashank Singh kept his calm up tight and tweeted “It’s All Cool … Thank you for Trusting on me!!!!” And Shashank has wasted no time in paying back that faith with some scintillating performances.
Shashank Singh’s performance in IPL
In a must-win clash against Gujarat Titans recently, he turned the game on its head with a breathtaking 61 not out off just 29 balls. Walking in at 119/6 in a daunting 201-run chase, the Maharashtra lad counterattacked in style by effortlessly smoking 5 fours and 4 massive sixes in his match-winning effort.
Shashank credits the valuable advice from West Indian legend Lara during their time together at SRH for helping shed his “slogger” tag. “Lara advised me not to think of myself as just a slogger. That was extremely helpful,” said the grateful Shashank.
Shashank Singh – Our starboy starts the #IPL2024 season with Batting Brilliance!#CSCS #ShashankSingh #IPLStar #ChhattisgarhPride #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #JazbaHaiPunjabi #PBKS #CricketCSCS #TeamCSCS #GoTeamCG #ChhattisgarhCricket #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/MZF7hdEm0T
— Chhattisgarh Cricket (@CricketCSCS) March 26, 2024
From being a six-hitting maverick in Mumbai’s renowned Kanga League to becoming a dependable all-format player for Chhattisgarh in domestic cricket, Shashank’s journey has been a roller-coaster ride.
This season, he created history by becoming the first Indian to score 150-plus runs and take a five-wicket haul in the same List A game. Having been in and out of IPL teams for years, the spotlight has finally arrived for the hard-working cricketer.
When Preity Zinta went emotional on Social media
For someone who nearly gave up due to lack of opportunities, Shashank’s dream IPL knock is an inspiring tale of perseverance and self-belief paying off. As Punjab team owner Preity Zinta pens an emotional note celebrating his success, the accidental buy seems to have finally found his calling and a stable home.
“Today seems like the perfect day to finally talk about things that were said in the past about us at the auction. A lot of people in similar situations would have lost confidence, buckled under pressure or become de-motivated ……. but not Shashank ! He is not like a lot of people. He is truly special. Not just because of his skill as a player but because of his positive attitude & incredible spirit. He took all the comments, jokes and brick bats so sportingly & never became a victim. He backed himself and showed us what he is made of, and for that I applaud him He has my admiration & my respect. I hope he can be an example to all of you when life takes a different turn & does not play according to script, for it’s not what people think of you that matters, but what You think of Yourself ! So never stop believing in yourself like Shashank & I’m sure you will be Man of the match in the game of life”
Today seems like the perfect day to finally talk about things that were said in the past about us at the auction. A lot of people in similar situations would have lost confidence, buckled under pressure or become de-motivated ……. but not Shashank ! He is not like a lot of… pic.twitter.com/OAPfLFKwxq
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) April 5, 2024
To which his simple reply was “Thank you Preity Mam for always supporting and Motivating me , couldn’t ask for anything more !”
With age on his side, the feisty all-rounder now has the platform to build on this breakthrough performance and establish himself as a match-winner for Punjab Kings in the years to come.
