Shashank Singh Attributes IPL Success to Brian Lara's Guidance
Shashank Singh's Stellar Performance in IPL 2025
Mullanpur (Punjab) - April 9: Shashank Singh, the explosive batter for Punjab Kings, has credited the legendary Brian Lara for helping him strike a balance between timing and an aggressive batting style while playing in the middle order.
In a thrilling match against Chennai Super Kings during the ongoing IPL 2025, Shashank showcased his skills with a remarkable performance, contributing an unbeaten 52 runs that propelled Punjab to a formidable total of 219/6. This came after Priyansh Arya achieved his first T20 century, setting the stage for Shashank's fireworks.
The 33-year-old acknowledged Lara's influence, recalling how the West Indies icon instilled confidence in him during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad three years ago. Despite a lackluster stint where he scored only 69 runs at an average of 17.25, Lara's advice resonated: focus on perfecting your timing rather than trying to emulate others.
“I owe this to Brian Lara. When I was with SRH, he emphasized that batting at numbers seven or eight isn't solely about power-hitting. Players like Russell or Pollard come to mind, but he encouraged me to trust my instincts,” Shashank shared during the post-match press conference.
Shashank's explosive batting was pivotal in securing an 18-run victory over Chennai, marking Punjab's third win in this season's IPL. The team's success can be attributed to the leadership of skipper Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, who have fostered a positive environment.
“Shreyas is very approachable and maintains a positive atmosphere. His communication is clear and direct,” Shashank remarked about his captain.
He also expressed gratitude towards Ponting for his unwavering support, especially after a disappointing performance in practice matches. “Ricky always encourages us to express ourselves. After my practice match struggles, Shreyas reached out to me, mentioning his conversation with Ricky. They both believed in my ability to time the ball, which is crucial at this level,” he added.
Shashank highlighted the significance of winning home games as a key to playoff qualification, stating, “To make it to the playoffs, winning at home is essential. Last year was tough for us at home, but this season has been fantastic. Our preparation before the IPL has greatly improved our understanding of the conditions.”