IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Star Batter Shashank Singh Opens Up To Sahiba Bali On Leaving Mumbai Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a platform where raw talent meets opportunity, and Shashank Singh is a prime example of how perseverance, hard work, and the right decision-making can shape a cricketer’s career. Today, he is one of Punjab Kings’ most valuable players, known for his explosive batting and ability to turn matches around under pressure. However, his journey to success wasn’t a straightforward one.

Before becoming Punjab Kings’ top run-scorer in IPL 2024, Shashank had to make a difficult decision—leaving Mumbai cricket, where he first honed his skills, and moving back to his home state of Chhattisgarh. This move proved pivotal, helping him secure a place in the IPL and establish himself as one of India’s most promising uncapped talents.

As he gears up for IPL 2025, Shashank reflects on the challenges he faced in Mumbai, his emotional decision to move, and how Punjab Kings changed his career trajectory.

A Breakout Season: Shashank Singh’s Impact in IPL 2024

In IPL 2024, Shashank Singh emerged as a key player for Punjab Kings, delivering match-winning performances throughout the season.

Most runs for Punjab Kings: 354 runs
Explosive strike rate: 164.65
Best performance: 61* off 29 balls vs. Gujarat Titans
Key finisher: Played crucial knocks in the middle order

His fearless stroke play and ability to accelerate the innings made him a game-changer for Punjab Kings. The franchise’s decision to retain him for IPL 2025 is a testament to his growing stature in the league.

However, this success didn’t come easy. Behind these performances lies years of struggle, a difficult career move, and a willingness to start over in search of better opportunities.

Why Shashank Singh Left Mumbai Cricket

Mumbai’s domestic cricket system is one of the toughest in India, producing cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane. Naturally, breaking into the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team is a challenge, especially for middle-order batters, where competition is exceptionally fierce.

Shashank started his domestic career in Mumbai, making his List A and T20 debuts for the state. However, despite his potential, he found it extremely difficult to secure a place in red-ball cricket. The middle order was stacked with top-quality players, including:

Suryakumar Yadav
Shreyas Iyer
Ajinkya Rahane
Sarfaraz Khan
Shivam Dube
Prithvi Shaw (in the top order)
Siddhesh Lad

With all these players performing consistently, there was little room for Shashank to make a breakthrough.

“Nahi, true opportunity nahi mil raha tha because the competition was so strong. Jab main try kar raha tha Bombay ki red-ball team mein, usmein aane ka toh obviously mera competition tha Shreyas, Shivam Dube, Prithvi, Sarfaraz, Siddesh Lad. Everyone was performing.”

Shashank made it clear that there was no politics involved—he simply couldn’t displace established performers.

“Kitne log bole hain abey politics thi wahan pe, abey ye tha, wo tha—nahi, mere saath kuch bhi aisa nahi tha.”

He understood that if a player was consistently scoring centuries, there was no reason to drop them to accommodate him.

An Emotional Decision: Moving Back to Chhattisgarh

Leaving Mumbai wasn’t an easy decision for Shashank. He had trained in Mumbai’s highly competitive cricket environment for years, hoping to build his career there. But as time passed, it became clear that waiting for a spot in Mumbai’s team might waste crucial years of his career.

One day, after another frustrating season without selection, Shashank spoke to his mentor at DY Patil Sports Academy. It was an emotional moment, and he admitted that he cried while discussing his future.

His mentor gave him practical advice—if Mumbai wasn’t offering him enough opportunities, he should move elsewhere and play regularly in all formats.

Taking this advice to heart, Shashank returned to his home state, Chhattisgarh, where he finally got the chance to:
✔ Play all three formats (red-ball, white-ball, and T20)
✔ Bat higher up the order
✔ Get more opportunities as an all-rounder

This decision completely changed his career. Regular domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, leading to his big break with Punjab Kings.

IPL Auction Drama: Punjab Kings Recognize His Talent

Shashank’s journey in the IPL wasn’t straightforward either. During the IPL 2024 auction, Punjab Kings unexpectedly picked him, leading to confusion.

Initially, many believed there had been a mix-up with another player who shared the same name. However, Punjab Kings confirmed their interest and assured him of their faith in his abilities.

Under the captaincy of Shikhar Dhawan, Shashank was given the perfect platform to showcase his talent. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, delivering a stellar season and proving his worth as a reliable middle-order finisher.

With Punjab Kings retaining him for IPL 2025, the franchise has shown immense confidence in his potential.

Shashank Singh’s Role in Punjab Kings’ Title Chase

Punjab Kings have never won the IPL title, but with Shashank Singh in prime form, they have a stronger chance in 2025. His role in the team has now become more defined and crucial:

1. The Power-Hitter in the Middle Order

With a strike rate of 164.65, Shashank provides the firepower needed to finish games.
His ability to handle pressure makes him a valuable asset in run chases.

2. A Potential All-Rounder

He is more than just a batter—his ability to bowl part-time off-spin gives Punjab Kings an extra bowling option.

3. A Reliable Match-Winner

His innings of 61 off 29 balls* against Gujarat Titans showed that he can turn matches on his own.
With more experience, he could become one of Punjab Kings’ most important players.

4. A Team Player with a Winning Mindset

Having overcome personal struggles, Shashank is determined to help Punjab Kings win their first IPL trophy.
He credits self-belief and the domestic cricket system for his growth.

“I remain grateful for the opportunities provided by Punjab Kings. My focus is on contributing significantly and making an impact for the team.”

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Hard Work and Smart Decisions

Shashank Singh’s story is an inspiring tale of perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief. From struggling for opportunities in Mumbai cricket to becoming Punjab Kings’ most valuable uncapped player, he has proven that the right decisions, backed by hard work and patience, can lead to success.

As he enters IPL 2025, Shashank has only one goal—to help Punjab Kings lift their maiden IPL trophy. And if his recent performances are anything to go by, he could be the X-factor Punjab Kings need to turn their fortunes around.

With his explosive batting, finishing abilities, and hunger for success, Shashank Singh is undoubtedly a name to watch out for in IPL 2025.

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