Shashank Singh played a match-winning knock of 61 runs off just 29 balls and led Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings to a thrilling three-wicket win against Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans in match 17 of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on April 5. PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta finally opened up on the controversy around them accidentally buying Shashank in the mini-auction.
Preity Zinta also massively praised the 32-year-old for his heroic knock against Gujarat Titans and told how inspiring Shashank is. She even told people to learn from Shashank's positive attitude and incredible spirit.
Preity Zinta clears air on Shashank Singh controversy
The Bollywood actress penned down a heartfelt note from her official ‘X’ account formerly known as Twitter. She heavily praised Shashank and called him a ‘Man of the match’ in the game of life.
“Today seems like the perfect day to finally talk about things that were said in the past about us at the auction. A lot of people in similar situations would have lost confidence, buckled under pressure or become de-motivated ……. but not Shashank ! He is not like a lot of people. He is truly special. Not just because of his skill as a player but because of his positive attitude & incredible spirit. He took all the comments, jokes and brick bats so sportingly & never became a victim. He backed himself and showed us what he is made of, and for that I applaud him He has my admiration & my respect. I hope he can be an example to all of you when life takes a different turn & does not play according to script, for it’s not what people think of you that matters, but what You think of Yourself ! So never stop believing in yourself like Shashank & I’m sure you will be Man of the match in the game of life,” Preity Zinta tweeted.
Shashank lead Punjab Kings to win
Punjab Kings was chasing a target of 200 runs and needed a strong start from their top-order. However, Umesh Yadav dismissed captain Shikhar Dhawan for just one run. Prabhsimran Singh fought back by smashing 35 runs off 24 balls with the help of five fours and a six. Jonny Bairstow also scored 22 runs off 13 balls before losing his wicket to a stunning delivery from Noor Ahmad. Who later also dismissed Prabhsimran Singh. Sam Curran (5) and Sikandar Raza (15) also failed to contribute much.
However, Shashank didn't allow the pressure get to him and straight away started targeting the GT bowlers. He also got support from Ashutosh Sharma, who walked out as the Impact Sub. Ashutosh and Shashank joined a match-winning 43-run partnership in 22 balls for the seventh wicket. Ashutosh did lose his wicket in the final over after scoring 31 runs off 17 balls but he already did his job. Shashank remained unbeaten and finished the game for Kings.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'I am the best in the world': Shashank Singh makes a resounding statement after leading PBKS to win over GT with unbeaten 61-run knock
IPL 2024: Shashank Singh opens up on Punjab Kings owners after being 'mistakenly bought' in auction and turning into franchise's match-winner
