Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 38 runs to reach the second spot in the standings. With 15 points from 11 matches, they need just one more win from the remaining three games to confirm their playoff berth. Despite losing the toss, Punjab posted 236/5, with Prabhsimran Singh amassing 91 runs. Arshdeep Singh broke Lucknow’s back in the powerplay with wickets of Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran. The visitors were restricted to 199/7, failing for the sixth time in the 18th season.

The Kings retained Prabhsimran and Shashank Singh before the ongoing season, and the two have done well with the bat. While Prabhsimran is doing a fine job as an opener, Shashank’s role is tough, considering he gets a few balls to make an impact. The 33-year-old bats at the No.6 or No.7 slot and is the designated finisher of the team.

He was the only reason behind PBKS’ massive total against LSG. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 33 runs off 15 balls, laced with 4 fours and 1 six. This was not the first time he played an important cameo in the ongoing edition, and his past performances have proved to be handy for the Shreyas Iyer-led team.

In 11 matches this season, Shashank has amassed 214 runs at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 142.66. These are impressive numbers for a batter who operates in the lower order.

Jatin Sapru heaped massive praise on the batter and even spoke about him getting a chance to play for India in the near future. Suresh Raina, who was also present, agreed with Sapru. “He knows how to score runs and is giving his best at the No.6 or No.7. Shashank is playing memorable innings, and you know he can do it when he is in the middle,” Suresh Raina said.

“Only a few players can play like Shashank Singh”: Pragyan Ojha.

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha also opined on the batter’s match-winning skills after the contest between PBKS and LSG. “Only a few players can play like him. He comes up with impactful knocks consistently. Shashank gets only a few balls, but he still scores runs. He has justified the move to retain him,” he said.