Shashank Singh, Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter unfolded the uplifting gesture made by Jonny Bairstow after Shashank got dismissed for a duck. PBKS had their first game of IPL 2024 against Delhi Capitals in Mullanpur on March 23.
In the first match between DC and PBKS, the Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bat first. They achieved 174 runs with Shai Hope scoring 33 runs and Abishek Porel 32*.
Bairstow was dismissed in the second innings at 9 runs only. But Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Shikhar Dhawan (22) kept coll and led the team with a steady pace. And then Sam Curran showcases his incredible batting prowess smashing 63 off 47 balls.
Shashank Singh came to bat at no. 7 but was banished for golden duck because he was unable to connect Khaleel Ahmed’s short ball, leading to his dismissal where his edge was caught by Rishab Pant.
However, Liam Livingstone maintained his composure to smash 38* off 17 balls. The PBKS then seized the hunt, having four balls to spare.
After the match was over, Jonny Bairstow went to Shashank Singh to cheer him up as he was unable to make his chance count and claim the victory for PBKS.
Shashank Singh said in an interview with Sportstar:
“I got a duck in our season opener (against Delhi Capitals on March 23), was sitting dejected in the dug-out, and suddenly Jonny tapped me from behind and said, If I don’t see you smiling, I will stop speaking with you.’ I have kept it in mind ever since.”
Shahsank Singh is PBKS’ top batter in IPL 2024
The middle-order batter undeniably made a sudden swirling and became the highest achiever of runs for the PBKS in IPL 2024. He registered a total of 315 runs in his 11 matches at an average of 63 and a strike rate of 165.78.
The best showcase ever made by Shashank Singh was against Kolkata Knight Riders, where he smashed 68* off 28 deliveries and in addition to that an unbeaten 84-run stand with Jonny Bairstow seizing the highest-grossing T20 chase of 262.