After sealing a top-two position in IPL 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Shashank Singh attributes their ascent to a strong sense of self-belief, cultivated under the guidance of Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer. As of 27th May, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming final stages of the competition.
“Finishing in the top two is half the job done,” Shashank stated succinctly, adding that a final achievement will be celebrated with certainty on June 3rd. This optimism stems from a belief system ingrained in the team over the season, despite their history as one of the original franchises yet to secure an IPL title.
Reflecting on their journey, Shashank expressed, “It feels surreal, to be very honest. It feels really good, really satisfying.” He acknowledged the collective effort in reaching this stage, highlighting the deliberate team discussions that took place post-auction. “The best thing is [that] we manifested as a team,” he shared, stressing the importance of their shared vision since the start.
Achieving a top-two finish is no small feat in the intensely competitive IPL, especially for a team like PBKS. Shashank credited the entire organisation, saying, “We worked hard. The credit goes to the management, the support staff, literally every single individual.”
Despite the newly acquired success, Shashank maintained a grounded perspective, stating, “Not at the top of the world [yet]. What we have believed is yet to come.” The team continues to enjoy collective achievements, with a shared gratitude for simply qualifying.
He also praised Shreyas Iyer, both as a friend and captain, acknowledging the freedom and support he extends to everyone involved with the team. “Shreyas is a very dear friend. I know him for the past ten-15 years,” Shashank said, emphasising the positive team culture that has been nurtured under Iyer’s leadership.
As PBKS prepares for the next stage, with a core group comprising mainly uncapped Indian players, their journey remains closely watched. Whether this year will bring their first title remains uncertain, but the blend of optimism and hard work places them in an exciting position.
