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Punjab Kings have scripted one of the most remarkable turnarounds in IPL history, clinching a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league stage after a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians in Jaipur. This victory not only secured their place in Qualifier 1 but also brought to life Shashank Singh’s audacious pre-season prophecy—one that had initially seemed more hope than reality. The journey from perennial underachievers to table-toppers is a testament to belief, planning, and a new team culture.
Shashank Singh’s viral prediction for Punjab Kings comes true in IPL 2025
It was nearly a month before the IPL 2025 season when Shashank, one of Punjab’s retained uncapped players, appeared on a podcast with journalist Shubhankar Mishra. When asked about Punjab’s prospects, Shashank boldly declared that the Kings would finish in the top two—a claim that drew laughter and scepticism from Mishra and fans alike, given the franchise’s history of heartbreak and underperformance since their last playoff appearance in 2014.
Shashank’s confidence wasn’t unfounded. The Kings had made bold moves in the off-season: retaining only two uncapped players (Shashank and Prabhsimran Singh), appointing Ricky Ponting as head coach, and bringing in IPL-winning captain Shreyas Iyer. The squad was rebuilt with a clear vision, focusing on a blend of Indian core strength and overseas role specialists. Shashank even promised to text Mishra after the 14th match, undeterred by the host’s threat of social media trolling if the prediction failed. As the league stage concluded, Shashank’s words became prophetic—Punjab topped the table with 19 points, registering nine wins, four losses, and one no-result, edging out Gujarat Titans with one point.
Here’s the video:
Punjab Kings 🌟 Shashank Singh Said n had a bet with shubankar Mishra that PBKS will finish on Top 👑
He will send text after season
Shashank is so confident n also friend with Sheryas n Retained player he know a lot 🦁Positive n top notch confidence 🦁
❤️ Love Punjab ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RbrRY5ePPe
— Baaz Bal (@BaazBal) March 16, 2025
Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer’s blueprint gets PBKS over the line to playoffs
The seeds of Punjab’s resurgence were sown in the off-season, but it was the execution on the field that set them apart in 2025. Ponting’s arrival as head coach brought a fresh, fearless approach, while Iyer’s leadership instilled belief and selflessness in the squad. Iyer’s willingness to put the team first—famously letting Shashank finish a chase instead of pursuing his own century—became symbolic of the new Punjab DNA.
Punjab’s strategy was clear: trust Indian talent in key roles, use overseas stars for impact, and play bold cricket. The likes of Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis delivered under pressure, while the bowling unit, led by Arshdeep Singh, maintained discipline and composure. Their final league match against Mumbai Indians was a microcosm of this transformation: disciplined bowling restricted MI to 185, and the chase was anchored by fifties from Arya and Inglis, sealing a seven-wicket win and a top-two finish.
Also WATCH: Nehal Wadhera’s jaw-dropping catch ends Rohit Sharma’s scratchy knock | PBKS vs MI
