Success isn’t something that just happens out of the blue. It takes a lot of hard work and having the right people around you to help you out. Shashank Singh from PBKS really drove this point home after their recent win against CSK in IPL 2025. He took a moment to give a shout-out to his mentors, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting, for playing a big part in his growth as a player.
During the game, Shashank teamed up with Priyansh Arya, who scored a century, and together they really set the tone for PBKS’s innings. Shashank himself contributed a solid 52 runs off just 36 balls, which helped his team reach an impressive total of 219 runs. He’s definitely carving out a solid reputation for himself as someone who finishes games well. When asked about his success, he mentioned that it all comes down to staying present and not getting caught up in what has happened before or what might happen later. He said, “When I’m on the field, I focus on the bat and the ball. My goal is simple: stay on the wicket and score runs.”
Shashank didn’t forget to credit his mentors, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting, who he says have been crucial in shaping his batting skills. He spoke highly of Brian Lara’s guidance about timing and approach. “Brian really helped me understand how to go about my batting. Normally, power hitters come in around the 6-8 overs, but I prefer to focus on timing the ball instead,” he shared.
He also said how grateful he was to have Ricky Ponting around before the IPL season started, especially since he wasn’t performing his best in practice sessions. “Ricky believed in me and supported me when I needed it the most, and that means a lot,” he added.
On a side note, Shashank’s partner on the field, Priyansh Arya, also had a memorable performance that night. Arya, who made a name for himself in the Delhi Premier League, wowed everyone with his century, scoring it in just 39 balls. This made him the fastest uncapped player to reach a hundred in IPL and marked the fifth-fastest hundred in the tournament’s history.
Shashank couldn’t contain his excitement about Priyansh’s performance, saying, “In the first match against GT, he showed us what he could do. He’s been performing for his state team, and now he’s shining at the highest level as well. I’m really happy for him. He’s definitely one to watch for the future.” Overall, it was a great night for PBKS, a real moment of triumph that showcased their talent and hard work on the field.
