Punjab Kings came within touching distance of their first-ever IPL title but were denied in the final showdown by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After a memorable campaign filled with grit, consistency, and standout performances, PBKS found themselves on the grand stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, despite a valiant fight, they fell short against a dominant RCB side, ending their dream run with a runners-up finish.
Shashank Singh enjoys breakthrough season with the bat
One of the standout performers for Punjab Kings this season was Shashank Singh. The 33-year-old batter emerged as a powerful presence in the middle order, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer for the team. He racked up 341 runs at an impressive strike rate of 153, playing multiple crucial knocks that helped Punjab reach the final. His fearless approach and clean hitting were key components of the team’s success throughout the campaign.
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Shashank recalls run-out blunder
While Shashank had a terrific season, one moment in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians continues to haunt him—the casual run-out that became a viral talking point. Chasing 208, Shashank was dismissed in the 17th over after being caught short by a sharp piece of fielding from Hardik Pandya. The batter, who admitted to being too relaxed during the run, took full responsibility for the costly error.
Shashank admitted to letting the team down with his casual running between the wickets, joking that Shreyas Iyer “should have slapped” him for the mistake. He revealed that even his father was so disappointed he didn’t speak to him until the final. Acknowledging the gravity of the moment, Shashank said Iyer was visibly upset and told him he didn’t expect such an error, though the captain later showed his support by taking him out for dinner—highlighting both the tough love and camaraderie within the team.
“I deserve it, Iyer should have slapped me. My father didn’t speak to me till the finals. I was casual—I was walking on the beach, not even in the garden,” Shashank told The Indian Express.
“It was a crucial time. Shreyas was clear—he said, ‘I didn’t expect this from you.’ But later he took me out for dinner,” he added.
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