IPL 2025: "Time to Repay The Faith" - Shashank Singh Grateful to Punjab Kings Following Retention

Add as a preferred source on Google

Shashank Singh wants to repay the faith shown by Punjab Kings after the batter became one of the two uncapped retentions by PBKS ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

In a testament to his impact in IPL 2024, PBKS retained Shashank alongside wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh. The decision comes from Shashank's impressive season, where he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 164.65 and averaged 44.25, establishing himself as one of IPL's most reliable finishers.

Following his retention announcement on the deadline day on Thursday (October 31), Shashank said he will be "forever grateful" to the franchise for giving him the opportunity to play at least three more seasons in IPL.

"I am extremely grateful to the franchise as they have given me an opportunity again and shown their faith in me. Having been in the circuit for the last five years, this opportunity they have given me is something I'll be forever grateful for. Now, it's my time to prove them right," Shashank said after the retentions were announced.

Looking ahead to IPL 2025, Singh is particularly enthusiastic about working with the team's new head coach, Ricky Ponting. "Working with Ricky Ponting Sir will be the best thing for me this year. He is a legend of this game, and I am eager to learn new things under his guidance," says Shashank, who grew up admiring Ponting's trademark pull shots.

This moment of Shashank's career has only strengthened his resolve to contribute more significantly to the team's success. "As a professional, you have to give your 100%, and that's why you are there. The way Punjab Kings and the fans have shown trust in me, it's my responsibility to double up my performances and ensure we go for the championship," he emphasized.

PBKS released Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada and England all-rounder Liam Livingstone among several others. These four could be the Right to Match (RTM) options for the franchise at the mega auction.