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Punjab Kings' (PBKS) one of the two uncapped players, Shashank Singh had made a bold claim ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Shashank said that PBKS will not just end their playoffs drought but finish in top two and qualify for the Qualifier 1. On May 26, the claim turned into reality as PBKS beat Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets to take the top spot on the points table. Roped in for Rs 26.75 crore, Shreyas Iyer changed PBKS' fortunes with head coach Ricky Ponting. After the win in Jaipur, Shashank talked about the team's culture from the start as PBKS formed a new core in the mega auction. He said that Iyer and Ponting said made it clear that they will treat the seniormost player Yuzvendra Chahal and the bus driver with same respect.
"From Day 1, Ricky and Shreyas both told us. They will treat Yuzvendra Chahal, maybe the most senior player, and our bus driver the same. I mean, this is something they have maintained. They have given the same respect to Yuzi Chahal and they have given the same respect to our bus driver. So, this says a lot about the team," Shashank said in the post-match press conference.
Shashank said that PBKS is the best team he has played for. He lauded Ponting for instilling belief in the team.
"By far, the best team coach I have ever played under," he said. "I have mentioned two names before: Brian Lara, sir, and now I am mentioning Ricky Ponting, sir.
"Because he has changed the team culture. He has changed our mindset. He has changed our belief. So, all those things, the credit has to go to him. Because, obviously, he is the one who changed our perspective towards the game. Culture, what I meant is caring about each other."
Shashank thankful for freedom under Iyer
Shashank also revealed that Iyer is a good friend and playing under him has been the best thing for his career. He said that the IPL 2024-winning captain gives everyone freedom, not just the players.
"Shreyas is a very dear friend. I have known him for the past 10-15 years. But playing under him, with him being the captain, it was the best thing that has happened to me, to be very honest.
"I mean, the way he gives freedom to everyone, not only me, but to everyone in the team. And when I say everyone, it's the 25 of them, plus the support staff, plus the people who are in the content team, media team, logistics, everyone. The way he gives them the freedom is something very appreciable about him.
"And the way he has developed a culture in the Punjab Kings side. Obviously, we love each other, we care for each other. That was the main motto of Ricky sir and Shreyas from day one, when we had the meeting, that we need to maintain a culture.
"We need to care for each other. And obviously, results will take care of themselves," PBKS' designated finisher said.
Shashank's IPL 2025 numbers
The 33-year-old has been in good form. He has scored 284 runs from 11 innings at an average of 56.80, including two half-centuries. His strike rate is 149.47.
PBKS' Qualifier 1 opponent
PBKS will now take on either Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) or Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at their homeground in Mullanpur on May 29.
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