Shashank Singh was only ten balls into his innings when Punjab Kings entered the final over against Gujarat Titans. At the other end, Shreyas Iyer stood unbeaten on 97, just three runs away from his maiden IPL century. Despite the milestone in sight, Iyer told Shashank to “hit every ball for four or six” without worrying about giving him the strike. Shashank followed instructions, smashing five boundaries in the last over and helping PBKS reach 243 for 5, which proved 11 runs too many for GT’s chase.
“I didn’t check the scoreboard initially, but after my first boundary, I saw Shreyas on 97,” Shashank revealed post-match. “I was about to ask him if I should take a single, but he told me not to worry about his hundred. It takes courage to say that because hundreds are rare in T20 cricket, especially in the IPL. His words boosted my confidence.”
Iyer and Shashank added an unbeaten 81 off 28 balls, with PBKS scoring 77 runs in the last four overs. Iyer faced just four deliveries in the final three overs but remained unbeaten on 97 off 42 balls. Shashank contributed a quickfire 44 off 16 balls. “It’s a team game, but being that selfless in such situations is rare. Shreyas showed his character,” Shashank said.
GT had a tough chase ahead, requiring 244 to win, but Sai Sudharsan’s 74 off 41 and big hits from Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford kept them in the hunt. GT racked up 87 runs between the 9th and 14th overs. However, PBKS’ Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak delivered a game-changing spell. He conceded just ten runs in his first two overs, bowling ten dot balls and drying up GT’s momentum.
“Shreyas works on instincts as a captain. Bringing Vyshak in at that moment was a brilliant call,” Shashank added. “Vyshak nailed those tough overs perfectly, despite the dew. Kudos to him for executing the plan to perfection.”
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