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Shashank Singh, now a pivotal player for Punjab Kings in the IPL, has emerged as one of the most promising uncapped talents in recent years. Known for his explosive batting and ability to finish games under pressure, Shashank was Punjab Kings’ top run-scorer in IPL 2024, amassing 354 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164.65. His performances, including a standout unbeaten 61 off 29 balls against Gujarat Titans, solidified his reputation as a match-winner. With Punjab Kings retaining him for IPL 2025, Shashank is determined to prove his worth and help the franchise chase its elusive first title.
However, behind this success lies a story of resilience and tough decisions. Before becoming a star in Punjab Kings, Shashank had to make a significant career move—leaving the Mumbai cricket setup, where he began his journey as a cricketer.
Shashank Singh reveals why he left Mumbai cricket
In a candid revelation talking to Sahiba Bali’s podcast on Punajb Kings’ You Tube channel, Shashank explained the reasons behind his departure from Mumbai’s cricketing circle. Despite honing his skills in Mumbai’s competitive domestic setup and making his List A and T20 debut there, Shashank found it increasingly difficult to secure consistent opportunities in red-ball cricket. The Mumbai team’s middle order was stacked with exceptional talent, including players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Shivam Dube—all performing at their peak. This intense competition left little room for Shashank to showcase his abilities consistently.
“Nahi, true opportunity nahi mil raha tha because the competition was so much strong. Meri end haan sach se hai baat to to nahi, obviously, kyunki jab main try kar raha tha Bombay ki red ball team mein jo Ranji Trophy bolte hain hum log usmein aane ka to obviously mera competition tha Shreyas, Shivam Dube, Prithvi aa gaya tha, Sarfaraz tha, Siddesh Lad tha aur see way good team thi. Everyone was performing, to kitne log maine dekhe hain, mujhe naam nahi lene hai but kitne log bole hain abey politics thi wahan pe, abey ye tha, wo tha nahi mere saath kuch bhi aisa nahi tha,” Shashank said.
Shashank also dismissed rumours of politics within the Mumbai cricket setup, stating that his experience was positive and welcoming. However, he acknowledged the practical challenges of breaking into a team where players were delivering stellar performances regularly.
“If someone is scoring centuries consistently, why would you drop them to play me?” he added during the interview. He emphasized that the lack of opportunities was not due to favouritism but simply because Mumbai’s players were excelling across formats.
Emotional decision to move back home
Leaving Mumbai was not an easy decision for Shashank. He admitted to being deeply emotional about the move and even shed tears while discussing it with his mentor at DY Patil Sports Academy. His mentor advised him to be practical about his career goals and suggested that staying in Mumbai might lead to wasted years without significant progress in red-ball cricket.
Following this advice, Shashank decided to return to his home state of Chhattisgarh. This move allowed him to play all three formats—red-ball, white-ball, and T20—and gain more opportunities to bowl and bat higher up the order. His decision proved fruitful as he found success in domestic cricket while also securing a platform in the IPL.
Also READ: Shreyas Iyer misses his maiden IPL century, Shashank Singh reveals his chat with Punjab Kings’ captain – IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS
Shashank’s new chapter with Punjab Kings
Shashank’s journey took another turn when Punjab Kings recognized his potential during the IPL auctions. Despite initial confusion over his selection due to a mix-up with another player sharing the same name, Punjab Kings retained their faith in him. Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan as captain, Shashank flourished in IPL 2024 and is now set for another impactful season in 2025.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Shashank credits self-belief and the rigorous domestic cricket system for shaping him into the player he is today. He remains grateful for the opportunities provided by Punjab Kings and is committed to contributing significantly to their success.
