Shashank Singh Enhances Skills During Punjab Kings Off-Season Camp

Sharpening Bowling Skills

All-rounder Shashank Singh of Punjab Kings is utilizing the franchise's current off-season training camp to refine his bowling techniques and regain his confidence on the field. With the upcoming 2026-27 domestic season on the horizon, the 34-year-old aims to strengthen his case for a potential call-up to the Indian national team.

Emphasis on Bowling Workload

During a recent interview at the Punjab Kings' five-day off-season camp at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, Shashank expressed his desire to enhance his bowling workload. He aims to maintain his effectiveness throughout his bowling spells. "I have a strategy for each season. Last year, I faced some fitness challenges, missing a few matches due to a hamstring injury. This season, my goal is to stay injury-free, especially since the IPL is fast-paced. As an all-rounder, bowling in the 3rd or 4th over requires extra effort. I plan to ensure that I can bowl the fourth over with the same pace and accuracy as the first. It's crucial to maintain that consistency for all four overs. I'm focusing on increasing my bowling overs and taking on more responsibility to show improvement next year," Shashank stated.

Rebuilding Fielding Confidence

The off-season also provides Shashank with a chance to tackle a frustrating aspect of his game: fielding. He admitted to dropping "6-7 catches" during the last IPL season, which impacted his enjoyment and confidence on the field. "It became overwhelming. Fortunately, my coach, captain, and senior players were supportive and never blamed me for our losses due to my drops. As a cricketer, I understand the importance of catches, but I was hard on myself," he shared.

Shashank noted that his repeated mistakes affected his willingness to go for the ball. "In the match against LSG, I dropped three catches and then hesitated to go for the ball. I wasn't enjoying it anymore. From U-16, we are taught to enjoy fielding. I love batting and bowling, but after those drops, I was just anxious about making mistakes," he explained.

Support from Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting, batting coach Brad Haddin, and captain Shreyas Iyer helped him regain his perspective. "Ricky, Brad, and Shreyas called me to reassure me that I'm a good fielder. My team was supportive, but I needed to believe it myself first," Shashank said. He highlighted a training session where he took 500 catches as a pivotal moment in rebuilding his confidence. "One day, I focused solely on catching, taking 500 catches in one session. Fielding should be instinctive, but enjoyment is key. I lost that joy, which was my main issue. While I can't promise to be a perfect fielder next season, I will enjoy it. That was a significant lesson for me, and I'm grateful I learned it, even if it affected our results," he added.

Aiming for an India Call-Up

Shashank is now setting his sights on the domestic season, where he will play for Puducherry after concluding a seven-year stint with Chhattisgarh. He believes that his performances in the No. 6-7 batting position could earn him a chance with the national team. "I'm very excited. I see a bright opportunity for the blue jersey. The role I play is crucial, and if I perform well, the door will always be open. Look at players like Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, who made it through hard work," he remarked.

"Last domestic season, I missed many matches due to injuries. This year, I'm committed to playing white-ball cricket for Puducherry. I aim to maintain full fitness and be a true all-rounder—not just a batter who bowls occasionally, but someone who contributes equally in both areas. If I excel in that No. 6-7 position, you never know what could happen. Cricket is unpredictable. I'm eager for the domestic season to showcase my abilities," Shashank concluded.

Preparing for the Next IPL

The Punjab Kings are leveraging the off-season to prepare for the next IPL season through a series of training camps. Various groups of players will participate in skill and fitness-focused programs in the upcoming months. After finishing fifth in the 2026 IPL, narrowly missing the playoffs, and being runners-up in the 2025 season, Shashank, who has become a key middle-order player for Punjab, is determined to enhance his bowling consistency and fielding skills before the next IPL.