On Sunday, May 18, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated the Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling final over in Jaipur to earn a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs. In addition, Shashank Singh, who was leading the soldiers in the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who was replaced by Harpreet Brar because of a finger injury, made his debut during the game.

Shashank Singh became the first player from Chhattisgarh to lead an IPL team and the first Indian player without a cap to do so, making him a record-holder in the IPL. Shashank’s captaincy record is unknown, but last year the 33-year-old batting all-rounder revealed his desire to take the lead.

In the DY Patil T20 tournament, Shashank disclosed that he had five years of leadership experience and that he would seize the chance to captain the Punjab Kings if given the chance, which he did in the pivotal match against the Royals.

I must admit that I don’t know a lot about it (the likelihood of being a member of the PBKS leadership group). Touchwood, I’m performing well so far in the DY Patil T20 event, where I’ve been in the lead for five years. In an interview with News 18, Shashank stated, “I will gladly accept it if the management thinks I can lead the side, even for Chhattisgarh.”

“I believe I can lead a team and bring home a championship. In a similar vein, I will seize the chance to serve as captain if Punjab Kings decide to give it to me and use it effectively. I’ll be appreciative, but I’m not expecting anything,” the PBKS star had said.

Shashank Singh’s performance in IPL 2025

Shashank has had another fruitful season playing for the Punjab franchise. Despite batting lower down the order he has managed to play crucial knocks. In the 12 games he has played so far, he has scored 273 runs at an average of 68.25 and at a strike rate of 151.66. He has scored two half centuries as well.

One of the half centuries came in the last game itself where he scored an unbeaten 59 off 30 deliveries against the Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. His knock included five fours and three sixes, scoring those runs at a strike rate of 196.66.