Shashank Singh celebrates after guiding Punjab Kings to a win over Gujarat Titans (Sportzpics / IPL)
Shashank Singh was just one of the two players retained by Punjab Kings in the latest round of Indian Premier League retentions. That’s a long way for a player to traverse after the franchise claimed that signing him in 2024 IPL auction was a mistake after they were confused due to another player sharing the same name being on the auction list.
The ‘mistake’ proved a fortunate one for the Kings as Singh became one of the finds of the last edition of the IPL, hammering in 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65 at an average of 44.25, thus becoming the franchise’s highest run scorer of the season.
“I am extremely grateful to the franchise as they have given me an opportunity again and shown their faith in me. Having been in the circuit for the last five years, this opportunity they have given me is something I’ll be forever grateful for. Now, it’s my time to prove them right,” Shashank said after he was retained by the Kings on Thursday.
“As a professional, you have to give your 100%, and that’s why you are there. The way Punjab Kings and the fans have shown trust in me, it’s my responsibility to double up my performances and ensure we go for the championship,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Kings will enter an IPL 2025 auction with a massive big war-chest to splurge on players and rebuild their trophy-less franchise from almost scratch.
On the IPL 2024 retention deadline day, the Kings franchise retained only Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank. The one surprise from the team has been letting Arshdeep Singh go.
