“I will seize that chance with both hands,” Shashank Singh declares when discussing his desire to be captain.

In the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who was substituted for Harpreet Brar because of a finger injury, Shashank Singh emerged as a new leader for the game, leading the soldiers. After defeating the Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling final over on Sunday, May 18, in Jaipur, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) advanced to the IPL 2025 playoffs.

By being the first player from Chhattisgarh to lead an IPL squad and the first Indian player without a cap to do so, Shashank Singh cemented his place in the IPL record books. The 33-year-old batting all-rounder Shashank revealed his ambitions to lead last year, despite the fact that little is known about his captaincy record.

In the vital high-pressure match against the Royals, Shashank demonstrated that he had five years of leadership experience in the DY Patil T20 league and that he would seize the chance to captain the Punjab Kings if given the chance.

To be honest, I’m not too knowledgeable about it (the likelihood of being a member of the PBKS leadership group). For the past five years, I have been in the lead in the DY Patil T20 event, and so far, I’m performing well. In an interview with News 18, Shashank had stated, “Even for Chhattisgarh, if the management thinks I can lead the side, I will accept it happily.”

“I believe that I am capable of leading a team to victory.” In a similar vein, if Punjab Kings decide to give me a try as captain, I will seize the chance and use it effectively. I will be appreciative, but I don’t have any expectations,” the PBKS star had said.

The IPL 2025 performance of Shashank Singh

Playing for the Punjab team, Shashank has enjoyed another successful season. He has played important knocks even though he bats down in the order. He has amassed 273 runs at a strike rate of 151.66 and an average of 68.25 in his 12 games thus far. In addition, he has two half-centuries.

He scored an undefeated 59 from 30 deliveries against the Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in the final game, which was one of the half-centuries. He scored those runs at a strike rate of 196.66 with five fours and three sixes throughout his knock.