Suryansh Shedge: A Rising Star in Indian Cricket Eyes IPL Glory

A Year of Growth in Cricket

For Suryansh Shedge, the past year in cricket has transcended mere statistics like runs and wickets; it has been a profound learning experience, particularly influenced by a captain he greatly respects. "We share similar personalities and a strong desire to win," the Mumbai all-rounder expressed with enthusiasm while discussing Shreyas Iyer, who leads him in both Mumbai's domestic cricket and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Currently, Shedge is competing for Mumbai in the semi-finals of the Col. C K Nayudu Trophy (Under-23) against Maharashtra at the MCA Cricket Stadium in Pune, aiming to secure the trophy after finishing as runners-up last season.

Balancing Commitments Ahead of IPL 2026

Shedge's routine exemplifies the life of a contemporary cricketer, juggling red-ball commitments alongside preparations for white-ball formats, especially with IPL 2026 on the horizon. "Things are progressing well. I'm participating in the C K Nayudu tournament while managing my preparations for the IPL," he shared when asked about his readiness for the upcoming season. The 19th edition of the IPL is scheduled to commence at the end of March, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru having clinched their first championship by defeating PBKS in the previous final, leaving Iyer's team still in pursuit of their inaugural title.

Aiming for Redemption in IPL 2026

At 23, Shedge has been retained by Punjab Kings for IPL 2026, driven by the ambition of a player who has experienced both triumph and disappointment. After finishing as runners-up last year, the sting of that loss remains fresh. "We need to maintain the same mindset. Last time, we fell short, but this time, we will learn from our mistakes and strive for improvement," he stated, exuding determination.

Learning from Shreyas Iyer's Leadership

Shreyas Iyer has been a pivotal influence on Shedge's mindset. Having participated in numerous tournaments under Iyer's captaincy, Shedge has developed an instinctive understanding of his leader's approach. "When he steps onto the field, he shares my mindset of winning at all costs. I've gained invaluable insights from him, and my familiarity with his captaincy style has been beneficial," Shedge remarked.

Confidence in Team India's T20 World Cup Journey

Shedge's unwavering belief in the Indian team's T20 World Cup campaign mirrors the intensity he admires in Iyer. As India prepares to face West Indies in a critical Super Eight match at Eden Gardens, Shedge remains optimistic about the squad's capabilities. "Given our team and bench strength, we are well-equipped. If we face setbacks, like our loss to South Africa, early in the tournament, we can identify areas for improvement. It could turn out to be a blessing in disguise," he noted.

A Defining Domestic Season

Shedge acknowledges that setbacks are part of the journey, a lesson he has learned firsthand. His breakout performance in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was transformative. In his first full season with Mumbai's senior team, he emerged as a fearless lower-order finisher and effective bowler, scoring 131 runs at an impressive strike rate of 251.92. His crucial contributions, including an unbeaten 36 off 15 balls in the final against Madhya Pradesh, showcased his potential as a complete all-rounder.

Preparing for a Promising Season Ahead

As he trains between matches and engages with the Punjab Kings coaching staff and teammates, Shedge is quietly gearing up for another significant season. "The franchise has organized several camps, including one in Udaipur that I attended. There was also a recent camp in Abu Dhabi that I couldn't make, but I stay connected with my teammates and coaches," he explained. His words reflect a grounded ambition, rooted in belief—belief in his captain, his franchise, and the Indian team. For Suryansh Shedge, the journey is as much about personal growth under leaders like Shreyas Iyer as it is about winning titles. His recent ascent suggests he is learning rapidly and setting his sights even higher.